My father-in-law is nearly 87 and he has arthritis and bad knees, but this man can eat like a horse. I’ve read where the older you get, the more bland food tastes so you don’t bother eating too much. Not so with him. Not only does he finish his huge plate but if anyone leaves anything, he feels duty bound to clean it up because tossing it out would be wasteful. He’s a small man, no fat on him, so I think it’s wonderful that he has a great appetite at that age. He eats more slowly now because of his age. Sometimes he naps in between bites. He’s really cute for an old fellow.

My mother-in-law is 83 and she’s the sexiest old woman I’ve ever known. She’s not overtly sexual, don’t get me wrong, but she’s got a sparkle in her eye that just doesn’t quit and she still flirts every chance she gets. She’s very petite and dresses like she walked out of a magazine layout. I want to be just like her when I’m over 80, that’s for sure!

So what have we been eating? One night my husband cooked scallops while I had pumpkin risotto, but the rest of the time I cooked. We’ve had a rare roast fillet of beef, lamb cutlets, roast chicken and tons of roasted vegetables. I haven’t eaten a lot, and made sure I didn’t have even the teensiest bit of fat and I have been ok. Well, sort of ok. We took them to Russell one day for lunch and I had a bit of green curry chicken and within 4 hours I was writhing with gallstone pain. No more of that!

Bottom line is that I can still entertain, and do it nicely, without causing any discomfort OR gaining any weight.