A message from Maggie Beer

As we concentrate on preventing elder financial abuse, the other side of the coin is improving the Quality of Life of the increasing number of Australians who are living longer. One of the ways we can do this is by making every food experience an opportunity to bring enjoyment and nourishment to our elders if they are living in an aged care home or in their own home. 
After receiving the honour of being named Senior Australian of the Year in 2010, I realised that something needed to be done urgently and that I had an opportunity to do something that would be life altering for so many older Australians. My first step was to establish the Maggie Beer Foundation and collect around me a Board who were passionate about this cause and who could bring their own experiences and skills to the cause. 
Since we started the Maggie Beer Foundation in 2014, we have made great progress in educating the cooks and chefs at the front line and the managers and CEOs in the skills needed to provide enjoyable, appetising and nutritious food to older people. We have initiated a meaningful dialogue with politicians, universities and other potential partners and we have commenced research programs to build the knowledge base around food for the elderly. We have done much but there is so much more to be done. 

When I am talking to everyone connected with food and the elderly I try hard to emphasise that  food is the fuel of life, of great conversation and memorable meals. Its substance is far more than just the nutrients acquired in the act of eating. It’s the knowledge of loving preparation, the anticipation of sharing a beautifully cooked and presented, fresh and flavourful meal and the delicious pleasure of engaging all our senses as we eat. Food is nutrition not just for the body, but also for the soul. It’s what fires our appetite for life, no matter what age.

The superior nutritional aspects aside, fresh food, in season, has so much flavour, and surely that is what needs to be prioritised if we are to enjoy the ritual of eating. Fresh vegetables not only offer better flavour but are also most economic when purchased in their natural growing season.

I truly believe, and my Foundation is guided by the belief that, with help from so many committed people we can bring about life-altering change to the wellbeing of the elderly by having access to fresh food full of flavour and nutrients. It should be everyone’s right to have good food and I believe that no one group of people needs it more. My hope is that every meal can give comfort and pleasure, always something to look forward to.