Programme manager Tony Heptinstall took a small group through a range of different recipes, most of which used just one pan and left-overs.
Society had moved away from people sitting together and enjoying meals and he encouraged the group to make cooking simple, enjoyable and social.
"It's about having fun," he said.
Stan Read found the taste-testing "very satisfying" and the lessons valuable.
Eric Webster took plenty of notes, because of his "bad memory" and said the demonstration had "given me ideas I didn't have before".
The event was held as part of Age on the Go Active Week, which runs until Friday.
Taieri Gorge Railway trips, Otago Settlers Museum walks and sporting pursuits are some of the activities on offer.
International Day of the Older Person will be marked on Thursday with an event in the Octagon, from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, to highlight active elderly people.
The Taieri Pipe Band will perform, there will be a celebratory walk around the Octagon, tai chi, line dancing and different speakers.
