As the saying goes, 'we are what we eat'. Through all stages of life, nutrition is vitally important.
However, as we get older, our nutrition needs change - and so does our appetite and ability to easily prepare and eat food. As a result, older Australians can often find themselves skipping nutrient-dense meals, snacking, or limiting the variety in their diet.
In our aged care homes, Hospitality Support Manager Selena Argentati spends much of her time focused on maintaining the nutrition of Carinity's residents.
"For many of our residents, eating well isn't simply about choosing a healthy meal. It's about the fact that everything has changed around them," Selena said.
"Appetites often become smaller with age, food doesn't always taste the same as it once did, a favourite meal might seem bland, medications can alter the taste of meals and the hands that once cooked for a whole family may feel different.
"Beyond the physical changes, there's also the challenge of the loss of a loved one, or no longer having family sitting across the table at every mealtime."
The consequences of a restricted diet can have serious impacts on our health and wellbeing. Missing vital nutrients can impact bone health, muscle strength, and energy levels, while dehydration and skipped meals often play a part in falls. Often, Carinity's clinical team find that residents enter care having unintentionally lost weight.
"Sometimes it's loneliness or it's just that cooking became too overwhelming or 'not worth it' for just one person," Selena said.
"One of the most beautiful changes we see after someone moves into our care is the return of routine and shared meals.
"There is comfort in knowing that breakfast, lunch and dinner will be there, freshly prepared and thoughtfully served. There is someone nearby to notice if intake drops, to gently encourage and to offer an alternative."
Frequently, residents slowly regain not just weight, but energy and engagement.
"When nutrition improves, our residents are stronger, more alert, more likely to join activities and more able to maintain independence. But just as importantly, they are no longer eating alone if they choose not to," Selena said.
For Selena, this is where food is more than just nutrition.
"A meal shared at a table, with conversation and warmth, can be just as nourishing as the food itself."
That's where Carinity's mission fulfills the gap, embracing our residents' culture, preferences and needs, recreating a welcoming and comforting environment that feels like home.
"Food is memory, it's culture, it's comfort, and it is our mission to ensure every resident feels like they belong and they feel connected with their community," Selena said.
Much like feeding a family, meeting every resident's preference isn't always easy.
"Our focus is always on food that feels familiar, comforting and enjoyable, while also being nourishing," Selena said.
We listen carefully to what residents love; a traditional roast, a simple scone with jam and cream. Even a favourite childhood dessert can spark appetite and conversation."
Getting residents involved is also vitally important.
"We love having our residents involved in the creation of the menu," Selena said.
Residents are invited to give feedback each day, and are encouraged to share their own recipes, with some featuring on our menus.
"Our Chefs regularly spend time with residents, chatting about meals, menu ideas, suggestions, and even learning their favourite family recipe tips and tricks."
"At the heart of everything we do, we believe food is about dignity, comfort and connection. When we support nutrition, we are not just supporting physical health, we are supporting quality of life."
Tips on eating well as you age
If you've noticed that you - or a loved one's - appetite and diet have changed, here are a few tips to help.
› Be kind to yourself. Meals do not need to be complicated to be nourishing and enjoyable. Simple options can make a big difference, things like: eggs on toast; baked beans on wholemeal bread; rotisserie chicken with pre-prepared salad; soup with bread and cheese; or yoghurt with fruit and nuts are all good options.
› Convenience is key. Using frozen, tinned, or pre-cut fruit and vegetables is totally fine. They are nutritious, reduce the physical effort of cooking, and won't go off in the fridge.
› Aim for little and often. If you have a small appetite, try eating small amounts more regularly. Even a piece of toast, a yoghurt, or a smoothie between meals can help.
› Make a meal of it. Food tastes better when it's shared. Consider inviting a neighbour, join a community lunch group or eat with family. Conversation often brings appetite back.
› Eat by hunger, not the clock. Eat your biggest meal when you feel hungriest, even if that might be early in the day.
