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As we advance into our older years, some of the habits and hobbies we may enjoy engaging with can be a little more difficult to attend to. This much is normal, and luckily, there are very many means around it. If holding a book up to your face isn’t quite as comfortable as it used to be, bookholders and readers can easily take that strain. Alternatively, if you love gardening but have increased mobility issues, then storage baskets, handholds, and box garden units can help you get around and plant more easily.

But what about cooking? This is a skill most love, and the truth is that grandparents have had years and years to refine their preferences and hold onto recipes they appreciate. That means if they’re out of the kitchen, it’s a tragedy for us all.

As such, helping an elderly relative retain their love for cooking, despite any motor issues or difficulties they’ve been experiencing, can be a wonderful investment in their well-being. In this post, we’ll discuss some methods you can use to achieve the best outcome:

Install Induction Cooking Hobs For Safety

Instead of retaining the usual gas or electric oven hobs or plates, which can become a burn hazard for elderly hands, it can be worth switching to induction cooking. Because these variants use magnets to heat, they only warm up when a compatible pot or pan is placed on them, reducing the risk of accidental fires. They also cool down quickly once the cookware is removed. This can provide peace of mind for elderly relatives who might forget to turn off the stove or accidentally touch a hot surface - though of course remember the pans can still get very hot. Induction hobs are also easier to clean, which can make kitchen maintenance less of a hassle.

Consider A Balance Of Delivered Meals & Care

While cooking can remain a joy, it’s worth recognizing that some days might feel more challenging than others, as it is for anyone but especially in our advanced years. Having a few pre-prepared or delivered meals on hand can ease the pressure, or negotiating their use of a 24/7 home care service can provide that backup when needed. Now, this doesn’t mean abandoning home cooking but just having that comfort when needed can ensure they’re eating well. Services that offer fresh, balanced meals, sometimes delivered to the door, can be a worthwhile investment too.

Purchasing Ergonomic & Helpful Utilities

Kitchen accessibility has come on leaps and bounds over the years, and that’s great! The right kitchen tools are worth investing in. We’d recommend utensils with thick, easy-grip handles or lightweight cookware that’s easier to lift and compatible with the hob as discussed. Devices like jar openers, vegetable choppers, and electric can openers can help with tasks that require a lot of hand strength or fine motor control, while still providing the safe end result you need. From there you could add a stool or chair for tasks that usually involve standing for long periods, and a comfortable surface table for preparing goods can help them too. That way, if your beloved relative is tired or alone, they can still whip up a meal that suits them.

With this advice, we hope your aging relative can still find joy and love in cooking.