Squeaky Joints and well-oiled cooks

Based in Murray Bridge, South Australia, Squeaky Joints started out as a 12-week program to help people with arthritis maintain their independence and improve their wellbeing. 

However members were enjoying the sessions so much, the program continued and two years later, the group has compiled their special recipes into a 20-page cookbook.

The Squeaky Joints and Well-Oiled Cooks recipe book includes old favourites such as savoury toast and pavlova, and some more unusual ones such as brie and pear pizza and Moroccan chick peas. And giving the book a personal touch, contributors’ recipes for life and happiness have also been included.

“The group decided to join together to create this cookbook as a way
of building social relationships and camaraderie between clients and
staff alike,” says Occupational therapist Caroline Tenny. 

“Collating
participants’ food and life recipes was a fun group activity, with the
cookbook a precious keep-sake to give to their loved ones, passing on
their recipes and philosophies on life to the next generations!”

Group member Lee Lyons’ recipe for life is “Treat everyone with
politeness not because they are nice but because you are!”, and although
Manager Cecelia Oxborrow contributed her sausage curry and rice and
savoury slice recipes, her recipe for life is: ‘just to buy a chai latte
coffee, buy some chocolate, don’t cook anything and hide yourself away
from the world (so you have peace and quiet, don’t need to share and can
enjoy!).’