100NO 687: Cooking Up Connection: Chef Ken Harris Empowers Us To Never Stop Cooking

Today’s guest is Ken Harris - a former chef whose career in hospitality began back in 1971, when becoming a chef in Australia was far from the glamorous or popular career path it can seem today. Over decades in the kitchen, Ken worked with people from all over the world, built a long career in hospitality, and worked in places including the Hyatt at Sydney’s Kings Cross and the Hilton Hotel. 

But retirement didn’t mean stepping away from purpose.

After moving with his wife into AVEO’s Shortland Waters village during the COVID years, Ken noticed something important: many people entering retirement lacked confidence in the kitchen, and with that came questions about independence, health, connection, and even identity. What started as a small men’s cooking group in 2021 soon evolved into regular community dinners for dozens of residents — creating not just meals, but friendships, belonging, and purpose.

Now, through his writing and community work, Ken is helping older Australians build confidence in the kitchen and rethink what ageing well can look like — one meal, one conversation, and one shared table at a time.

Find Ken’s recipes and more info at https://seniorsinthekitchen.com/

06:02 Starting a men's cooking group

13:55 How Cooking fosters community 

19:51 Adjusting to retirement cooking routine

21:26 Discussing Ken's passion for cooking

24:46 Preparing a delicious appetizerFor more on 100 Not Out go to www.100notout.com