Holly McComb
CEO, Parsley Box
As we age, we may face challenges with shopping, meal planning and cooking. Convenient food is a way for older people to eat well and maintain their independence.
“As we age, shopping, meal planning, and cooking can become more difficult, but enjoying good food should not be,” says Holly McComb, CEO of Parsley Box, a provider of convenient ready meals. “We have to keep our protein up — which makes every mouthful matter.”
Food for the belly and brain
The food on our plates must be enjoyable and comforting. We have to want to eat it, otherwise we’ll end up skipping meals. While McComb notes that food provides ‘the drumbeat to the day,’ she also stresses that it shouldn’t be routine, dull and functional.
“For example, the familiarity of a meal can be comforting and appealing,” she says. “It’s a moment of connection with our past. We all have a story about a household favourite, like a cottage pie or lasagne. There’s a reason why these meals are our top sellers.”
It’s never too late. As we age,
we should prioritise our protein,
keep our fibre up and drink more wate
Eating well to help maintain your independence
McComb’s company exists to help older adults eat well because people can face food challenges at this time of life. “As we age, shopping, meal planning and cooking can become more difficult,” she says. “But enjoying good food should not.”
The company’s meals — developed with older adults’ needs in mind — are delivered directly to customers’ homes, helping them support their wellbeing and maintain independence. Because the meals have a long shelf-life, they can be stored in a cupboard with no need for a fridge or freezer, alleviating fears around food safety. Company staff, meanwhile, are encouraged to listen and engage with customers, providing them with a much-needed human connection.
McComb’s advice for older people wanting to improve their diet is simple: “It’s never too late. As we age, we should prioritise our protein, keep our fibre up and drink more water. We always encourage people to add a side of vegetables to our meals for extra balance. Even small changes can make a big difference to our health and wellbeing.”
Sponsored by Parsley Box
Find out more at www.parsleybox.com
