︎ What do I want for dinner
Using food and culinary therapy to create intergenerational bonds and alleviate social isolation in the elderly.
By Keerti Nair ︎
Social isolation in the elderly is an issue that is widely prevalent. One of the issues that stem directly from seniors living alone and feeling isolated is lack of nutrition. Malnutrition amongst the elderly can be linked to isolation and this intervention can help determine what steps can be taken at multiple scales that assist the elderly with aspects of food availability, nutrition, and intergenerational interactions.
Interior layout when retrofitting kitchens to be more safe and accessible for elderly / 2020
Elderly and malnutrition in rural and suburban conditions / 2020
Cooking is an effective form of therapy as it encourages creativity and physical movement. Many health care clinics and counselors use baking and cooking as a therapeutic tool for people suffering from various conditions like depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. This therapy is also useful in helping people who live difficult and chaotic lives to remember to cook and eat nutritious food. For the elderly, cooking as a therapeutic tool helps keep one active. It encourages creative thinking through the actions of following a recipe but also innovating when required. Physically it allows for movement and motion that keeps one agile. The proposals utilize these benefits of cooking therapy and one’s association with food to use it as a tool to counter grief and loneliness.
Design to Outcomes
The design of an app to connect the elderly with people in the neighborhood and create a shared space of passion for food and companionship could drastically alleviate social isolation amongst the elderly while also keeping their love of food alive or creating a new one in those who have lost theirs.