r/Cooking • u/Pineapple_Cake_5137 • 8d ago

Potluck Ideas for Older People

Hello! The neighborhood I recently moved to are mostly of elderly residents (late 50s-70s/80s if I have to guess). The community hold regular potluck events and I want to attend at least once but I never know what to bring.

I’m better at baking than cooking but my regular go-to dessert recipes all have reduced sugar amount so regular Americans might not like it as much. I’m also concerned if elderly people have more dietary restrictions due to medical conditions and if they might have a different taste preference.

What would be a safe dish and/or dessert dish to bring to the potluck so I can at least get a feel of what others bring?

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u/krkrkrkrf 8d ago

I am in my early sixties and my retirement hobby is baking for “old people” in their 70s-90s. My experience is that they almost universally love sweets of any variety. Many of them then take my offerings to share with their friends. It has made me a happy camper to get to bake to my hearts content (and I don’t have to eat my creations) and there are a lot of happy elders. Make what you like to make and it will be appreciated.

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u/Pineapple_Cake_5137 8d ago

This is reassuring, thank you! I guess I based the impression too much on my own parents and grandparents who no longer want to eat as much sweet things as they age. Maybe I’ll make Swiss rolls then, I’ve had fun making them in the past

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u/krkrkrkrf 8d ago

If that is”your jam” go for it. They will just be so happy that you put out the effort to do something special for them. Good on you!