specialty focus one area we could do a lot , it ’ s that area of food – the concept of good food .
For example , in the cottage model of care , which is the idea of individual small homes within a residential facility , meals are cooked in each apartment or each cottage .
My mom was in home care for six years in three different facilities . And it was fascinating because the food was always wonderful because care staff and chefs with knowledge about food cooked it .
They would also involve the residents and allow them to make bread , custard , and chop pumpkin and potatoes .
It worked well by including the residents , and even those who couldn ’ t join could watch and still feel included .
And the food was always fresh because they looked at what vegetables and fruits were in season . So , in September , they ate lots of asparagus , and in February , they ate cherries and mangoes .
It ’ s such a wonderful concept of providing food to people in aged care .
Many older people have lost many good things in their lives , but food is important . Not only for their nutritional value but also for advancing the residents ’ quality of life .
We talk about it all the time , the quality of life , but having good , fresh food makes such a difference .
What other aspects of ageing are important to you ? I think we have to watch out that we don ’ t become a frail society . So , the importance of keeping [ physically ] active is something I talk about a lot .
Anything from regular walking to resistance training can really help you age well .
Just simple things like sit-to-stand exercises where you stand up from a chair without using your arms , sit down slowly , touch your backside , and then come back up again . That way , you sign the three most
“ The key to everything is getting everybody working together .
prominent muscle groups in the body , the quads , hamstrings and buttocks .
There ’ s also this new concept called ‘ exercise snacking ’, where you implement short and small exercises in your day-today life .
For example , instead of doing an hour at the gym or walking for 5k , you walk briskly for five minutes up and downstairs . Or you do press-ups against the kitchen bench while waiting for the tea water to boil . If you do these small things eight to ten times a day , it keeps your body fit .
I like to take the stairs at work . Of course , I ’ ll get puffed , but then I ’ ll do them again a bit later , and if I can do four flights three times a day , that ’ s really good exercise .
The most important thing is that it ’ s never too late to start becoming a healthier person . ■
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