Whoever said old dogs can’t learn new tricks hasn’t seen older men on the Northern Beaches learning how to cook. Men’s Kitchen is a not-for-profit organisation where older men come together to learn cooking skills, gain confidence in the kitchen and make new mates.
Meeting at lunchtime once a month at kitchens in Forestville, Warriewood and Warringah Mall, classes are led by two experienced cooking instructors who guide them in preparing and cooking a main course and a dessert.
Each class has eight to ten men, the right amount for personalised instruction and a good social chat. They finish their experience by enjoying the meal together.
Men’s Kitchen founder, Peter Watson, says what surprised him most was the demand.
“I didn’t know there were so many guys who had no idea in the kitchen, and were so keen to learn,” he says.
With women traditionally handling the cooking, older men whose wives have passed away or whose wives aren’t able to do the cooking any more are joining Men’s Kitchen so they can look after the meals. There are over 100 members on the northern beaches.
“It gets them out of the house, they learn something new,” says Peter.
“They really enjoy the company and the sense of achievement.”
Learning new things is important in later life, building new neurons and synapses which are essential for brain health. The more complex the activity is, and the more it can be applied in the real world, the better it is for those brain noodles.
Research has also found that those who learned a new skill later in life were pleasantly surprised by their own achievements, felt more confident, and were less afraid to face any future challenges that came their way.
For Graham Grainger, who joined Men’s Kitchen five years ago after his wife passed away, it has opened up a whole new world.
“I had very little cooking experience before that,” he says.
“I am now quite confident in looking at a recipe and if I like it, I’ll have a go. You learn a lot,” he says.
From how to read recipes and discovering new ingredients, to proper chopping techniques and little tips such as pummelling a lemon before you squeeze it to get out more juice, it’s all about making life easier.
Graham admits that turning up for the first time was intimidating, but he quickly discovered everyone was in the same boat.
“Everybody’s accommodating and helpful, everybody accepts everybody,” he says.
“Camaraderie builds up between us and we have fun along the way.”
Men’s Kitchen always welcomes new members and Peter believes that older men in the community are really keen to participate.
“They get so much from it they just keep coming back,” he stated.
It sounds like their motto, ‘Old Dogs, New Tricks, Great Mates,’ is spot on.
You can find out more about Men’s Kitchen at www.menskitchen.org.au or contact Peter at info@menskitchen.org.au.
