As we age, finding activities that nourish our mental well-being becomes increasingly essential. Baking, whether to satisfy a sweet tooth or provide for a household need, has hidden benefits, especially for older adults.
Discover why this delectable pastime could be the perfect ingredient to boost mental health, learn how The Bristal incorporates baking into resident programming, and get a simple, easy-to-follow recipe to start your baking journey.
Mental Health Benefits of Baking for Seniors
It's no secret that baking has comforted and consoled many through good times and bad. Seniors at risk of isolation, often during winter when travel becomes more difficult, can benefit from a home hobby or interest like baking to help beat the winter blues, improving mood and mental health. Here are a few ways baking can be beneficial:
1. Cognitive Engagement
Baking involves following recipes, measuring ingredients, and multi-tasking. Each step keeps the brain active and engaged, helping to sharpen cognitive skills and improve brain health. Baking also requires problem-solving - like adjusting recipes or troubleshooting the consistency of a dough.
See how The Bristal at Wayne celebrated World Baking Day >>
2. Sensory Stimulation
Baking engages the senses and can be both calming and stimulating. Adults, who often experience sensory decline as they age, can feel different textures, observe ingredient colors, listen to the sound of a mixer, and smell something delicious in the oven. This sensory engagement can help delay sensory decline, awaken memories, and encourage older adults to recall and share cherished stories and traditions.
3. Creative Expression
Baking offers an opportunity for creative expression, from choosing ingredients to decorating a finished product. This creativity can be therapeutic, offering a sense of achievement and self-expression that may be limited in other areas of life.
Explore creative baking at The Bristal at Massapequa >>
4. Physical Activity
While not strenuous in nature, baking does involve physical tasks like stirring, mixing, kneading, and rolling. These activities can help improve or maintain seniors' mobility and dexterity, contributing to their overall physical health and sense of independence.
5. Mindfulness Practice
Baking requires focus and attention to detail, which can be a form of mindfulness. Measuring ingredients, following a recipe, and being present in the moment can help clear the mind and reduce stress. This mindful approach to baking can be a therapeutic and enjoyable practice, promoting a sense of well-being and contentment.
Discover what sweet treat the Baking Club at The Bristal at York Avenue served at happy hour >>
6. Social Interaction and Sense of Purpose
The activity of baking can be enjoyed alone, but if performed with other people, it offers a great opportunity for building community and encouraging friendships to bloom. Whether sharing recipes, working together to create a delicious treat, or delivering baked goods as gifts to friends and neighbors, baking truly offers moments to socialize, build on a sense of purpose, and enjoy the company of others.
Baking at The Bristal Assisted Living Communities
The Bristal celebrates the uniqueness of each resident by celebrating who they are and building programming around their interests, skills, and abilities. We recognize that baking and sharing favorite dishes can be instrumental in improving the mental health of seniors, sparking moments of joy, and fostering meaningful connections among peers and team members. That’s why we launched our Taste of Home program.
In the Taste of Home program, residents share recipes — often ones handed down in the family for generations — with our Director of Food Service. The Director will either serve the dish during mealtime or host a demonstration and tasting event featuring the dish for all residents to enjoy.
An Easy Recipe to Try at Home
Lemon Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Get recipe >>
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp lemon extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp grated lemon zest
Frosting Ingredients:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp butter, softened
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tsp lemon juice
1 ½ tsp grated lemon zest
Directions
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Beat in eggs and extract.
- Combine flour and salt, and gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Stir in lemon zest.
- Spread into a greased 13x9-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are golden brown.
- Cool completely.
- For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until fluffy.
- Beat in confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and zest.
- Frost the top and cut into bars.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Read More Food & Dining Blogs
Are you interested in learning more about our food and dining experiences? Read our blog for community culinary spotlights, including the Lobster Bake at The Bristal at Mount Sinai and the Taste of The Bristal Chef Competition.
