Top chef Paul Rankin has created delicious recipes especially for elderly people, who need nourishing, well-balanced meals to maintain health and well-being.

He shares his tips and a menu that could be a boon to older people and their carers.

Food is one of life's great pleasures but all too often as people get older their tastes often get pickier and their appetites shrink.

So it can be a challenge for the elderly, or those who cook for them like relatives and carers, to concoct balanced, tasty meals that include enough nutrients to keep them fit and healthy.

Terry Tucker's risen to the challenge and collected a feast of recipes recommended by elderly residents and chefs who work for a leading group of care homes.

They're in her new book, Delicious And Nutritious, and she says: "Older people often need to be tempted to eat, and food for them shouldn't be bland and unappetising."

Terry, who trains chefs for the Barchester Healthcare homes and has been a catering consultant for the NHS, says: "I wanted to provide sound information for those who cook at home for older relatives and friends, and show that dishes can be adventurous as well as suitable for particular needs."

Celebrity chef, Paul Rankin, who has worked with the Barchester chefs, says: "It's great to see help and new ideas for those cooking for older friends and family members as well as those cooking for older people in care homes."

Try Terry's recipe suggestion on page 2 for a nourishing lunch or supper, Chicken Pan Pie followed by Treacle Sponge.

There's no age limit on her dishes so this menu can be enjoyed by the whole family!

Top tips

Help elderly people avoid health problems due to a poor diet.

  • Have bowls of fresh fruit or vegetables prepared and cut.
  • Make smoothies and fruit and vegetable juice drinks daily.
  • Make finger foods with a high protein content.
  • Make eating a social activity, which is far more pleasurable than eating alone.
  • Listen to likes and dislikes and remember tastes can change with age.