Simple meals that support health and connection
VillagesOKC will host a free Positive Aging seminar designed to help older adults rediscover
the joy and simplicity of everyday meals—especially when cooking for one or two.
“Table for One (or Two): Cereal Is Not a Meal!” will be Thursday, February 12, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Metro Tech Business Conference Center, 1900 Springlake Drive in Oklahoma City.
The presentation will be led by Chef Darin Leonardson, founder and CEO of Transformed Culinary Solutions and culinary consultant to Concordia Life Plan Community, a VillagesOKC
partner. The session will blend discussion, interactive Q&A, demo-style food preparation and food sampling.
Designed with real-life challenges in mind, the program focuses on practical meal ideas that feel achievable—without extensive prep, cleanup, or waste. Topics include why nutrition matters more as we age, even as appetite and energy change; how food supports not only physical health but also mental engagement and social connection, and easy ways to make meals satisfying again when dining solo.
Chef Darin will share why adding color to your meals improves your health. He will provide a food demonstration with samples, highlighting simple techniques to achieve a better meal experience and benefits.
The seminar will also include a brief practical discussion on food safety, covering how long foods are safe to keep in the refrigerator or freezer, helping attendees reduce food waste while avoiding the risks of consuming expired items.
Chef Darin brings more than 30 years of experience in fine dining, corporate food operations, and senior living. From managing high-volume kitchens at Google to pioneering resident-centered dining programs, his work emphasizes fresh ingredients, personalization, and dignity at the table. “Food is more than nourishment—it’s connection, comfort, and dignity,” he said.
Julie Davis, seminar organizer, said the event reflects VillagesOKC’s mission. “This seminar is about meeting people where they are and giving them tools that truly fit their lives. Small, realistic changes can make a meaningful difference in health and happiness.”
The seminar is open to the public and offers a welcoming, informative environment for anyone interested in aging well—one colorful plate at a time.
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Registration is open at villagesokc.org/positive-aging or by calling (405) 212-9120.
