Well Aged: Dining With Dignity [Paperback]

Ginny Gordon Walters (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2001

"Well Aged" is more than just a cookbook. It is a resource guide for anyone caring for an elderly or disabled person. All recipes are designed to be easy-to-prepare, easy-to- handle and easy-to-chew. Extra calories and vitamins are packed into each of the over 200 recipes. If you have an elderly person in your life, or if you work as a caregiver, this is the book for you.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Everything is clear and so simply stated that even a total kitchen Klutz ought not to be intimidated." -- Elizabeth Vaz, co-author

"I highly recommend this book for anyone involved in planning, cooking and serving meals for the elderly or disabled." -- Betty Scott, retired dietician

"I've spent 13 years as a caregiver to an elderly, disabled person and this book is right on target." -- Susan Phinney, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, September, 2001

"It's the only cookbook on the market with recipes adapted for the special needs of the elderly..." -- The Pacific Sun, What's New, Pat Fusco, December 12, 2001

"This book is amazing! . . .I have yet to encounter a more comprehensive guide to feeding the elderly." -- Barbara McClure, former caregiver and dietary consultant

"This book is amazing! Clear explanations and beautiful photographs reveal creative and practical solutions for a variety of problems." -- Barbara McClure, retired caregiver

"This isn't just a recipe book, it's a resource guide that explains how tastes and dietary needs change with age." -- Susan Phinney, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, September, 2001

"Time-honored dishes: Ginny Walters' timely cookbook...includes recipes and dining tips for caregivers of the elderly." -- The Costco Connection, For Your Health, Mark E. Stroder, January, 2002

"Well Aged" can help patients eat better whether they are at home or in a facility. Knowledge is power. -- Elizabeth Alves, Under the Covers, McKinleyville Press, May 21, 2002

"With more than 220 recipes to choose from, selecting one to print...was difficult, to say the least." -- Ft. Pierce Tribune, Aileen Schulz, Food Columnist, November 29, 2001

From the Author

I was motivated to write this book after seeing the difficulty my grandmother, who has Alzheimer's, had in managing everyday meals. Just getting the food from the plate to her mouth was almost too much for her. More food ended up on the table, on her clothes and on the floor than could have possibly gotten into her.

As I got into researching solutions I found dozens of adaptive utensils, plates, bowls and cups in catalogs for medical and rehabilitative supply houses. Before I had a reason to search for these items I didn't know they even existed.

Adaptive dining aids would only solve a portion of the problem. My challenge was to develop ways to make ordinary family meals easier for people to eat. My grandmother still liked spaghetti, she just couldn't manage the drooping noodles. My friend, Semu Huaute, still loves beef but can't chew steak anymore. My goal was to develop foods that could be eaten with one utensil, be loaded with taste and vitamins, and have a high enough calorie content to prevent the involuntary weight loss so common in the "oldest of the old," those over 80 years of age.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: GWhizz Books (October 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971313903
• ISBN-13: 978-0971313903
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #470,013 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Valuable Contribution to Independent Living, October 26, 2001

By 

Bob Chaffeur (Tacoma, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Well Aged: Dining With Dignity (Paperback)

Ginny Gordon Walters has assembled a collection of tasteful and tasty recipes that my 79 year-old mother finds nutritional and easy to prepare; whether cooking for just herself or for a family gathering. The general tips, along with the graphics of special utensils, I found very helpful in trying to provide mom with cookware that can make things a bit easier on her arthritic hands. Ms. Walters' brief comments before each recipe seem indicative of someone who has experienced the ways in which this information can help our older generation maintain their quality of life. A valuable tool for our parents to continue to enjoy their independence!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Aged: Dining with Dignity, October 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Well Aged: Dining With Dignity (Paperback)

This beautiful and thoughful cook book offers a wonderful selection of "comfort" foods with high nutritional value for the elderly and/or disabled person. Since nutrition is a key factor in health and longevity, Walters has highlighted the needs for certain foods and collected easy-to-make recipes focusing on those needs. In addition, the Introduction and Tableware sections have valuable and innovative tips for those caring for the elderly. I highly recommend this book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical and eye-opening, October 18, 2001

By 

Debbie McDonagh (San Rafael, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Well Aged: Dining With Dignity (Paperback)

As I read this book, I thought of my dad who is 75 yrs. old and still lives alone, managing just fine for now. I know the day is coming when he won't be able to be so independent. This book helped me think about a most basic, but critical, issue: his nutrition as he ages. Not only does Ms. Walters' book give me ideas about how he can continue to eat tasty, nutritious meals, but it also points out things I had never thought about before that will allow him to dine without embarrassment (i.e., easy to use/hold utensils and plates). The section on "Dining Tips and Tricks" is worth the price of the book alone. Two ideas really struck me: many older people don't eat much when they eat alone and when they do dine with others, there may be a subtle "rush" to eat quickly. I think her idea of eating meals together and taking the time to savor the food and the companionship can apply to everyone, not just the elder population.