Seniors still have important role to play

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/07/2013 (4757 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Seniors have made a lifetime of contributions to Manitoba.

Even after retiring, they have an important role to play in our community. I want to highlight a bold new program started by the Keewatin Inkster Neighbourhood Resource Council for Seniors, called ‘Men in the Kitchen!’

Keewatin Inkster Neighbourhood Resource Council for Seniors is one of many Community Resource Councils across Manitoba. Supported by Regional Health Authorities and by the community, these councils help develop services and programs for seniors.

Men in the Kitchen! is an eight-week program designed to help teach cooking, nutrition and safe food handling to senior men who may not have learned to cook healthy food growing up. Many have found themselves now responsible for their meals due to the death or illness of a spouse.  Others just want to learn some new skills or widen their social circle.  

Through this hands-on program, men learn to cook classic comfort food with healthy ingredients. They learn safe food handling, visit with a dietician and go on a trip to the grocery store to practice reading labels in a smart way. Participants also learn to do laundry and to iron and hem clothes.

This program is free and welcomes men from all different backgrounds who want to learn something new. Enrolment is capped at 10 people, so everyone gets a chance to participate. At the end of the course, the men cook and serve a fundraising lunch. I attended the last lunch and had a great time!  

Community programs like Men in the Kitchen! which promote health and well-being are important for seniors as they age. But the greatest gift of this program is the way it brings people together. Senior men are at a higher risk for social isolation and depression, especially after they retire. Men in the Kitchen! brings men together for companionship, community and to enjoy good food.  

Tyndall Park is home to many people who are making our neighbourhood an even better place, and as their MLA, I enjoy connecting with them. If you know of a person or a group who deserves recognition, or if you have questions about what’s going on in Tyndall Park, feel free to contact my office on 24-360 Keewatin St. at 204-421-9493, or at Ted.Marcelino@YourManitoba.ca