︎ Grab and Go Health
How does addressing easy nutrition access contribute to improving the well-being and longevity of seniors dealing with loneliness and social isolation?
By Marianna Godfrey ︎, Prakriti Vasudeva ︎, Prathamesh Patil ︎ Yeon Lee ︎
Hypothesis
It might be difficult to obtain proper nourishment in today's fast-paced culture, especially for older adults who might not have a spouse or family to support their nutritional requirements and general health. This product provides convenient nutrition at the center of a community environment, reducing food waste and increasing well-being.
It might be difficult to obtain proper nourishment in today's fast-paced culture, especially for older adults who might not have a spouse or family to support their nutritional requirements and general health. This product provides convenient nutrition at the center of a community environment, reducing food waste and increasing well-being.
Why
In our fast-paced society, ensuring adequate nutrition is a challenge, particularly for senior citizens who may not have a partner or family to support their dietary needs and overall health. Recent data from the National Institute on Aging reveals that many seniors face health issues due to inadequate nutrition. Loneliness and social isolation worsen this, making easy access to nutrition crucial for seniors seeking to improve their well-being and longevity through a nutritious lifestyle a part of a routine.
How
The machine would be populated in public spots frequented by older adults throughout their daily routine. These include bus stops, community centers, churches, and parks, making it easier to make healthier choices. Older adults would run the community center system as a part of an educational program for the youth.
What
An engaging vending machine for healthy meals that are easy to grab and go. One swipes their card to cut produce and receives a healthy meal. Once finished, they dispose of their waste to be composted, planting a seed that can be used for an additional meal. The machine is an intersection of two cycles: the routine for older adults and people who eat from it, along with the growth and maturing of produce.
So What
Take and give. The environment provides healthy meals for the users, who give back the waste to continue the cycle and longevity of older adults.
In our fast-paced society, ensuring adequate nutrition is a challenge, particularly for senior citizens who may not have a partner or family to support their dietary needs and overall health. Recent data from the National Institute on Aging reveals that many seniors face health issues due to inadequate nutrition. Loneliness and social isolation worsen this, making easy access to nutrition crucial for seniors seeking to improve their well-being and longevity through a nutritious lifestyle a part of a routine.
How
The machine would be populated in public spots frequented by older adults throughout their daily routine. These include bus stops, community centers, churches, and parks, making it easier to make healthier choices. Older adults would run the community center system as a part of an educational program for the youth.
What
An engaging vending machine for healthy meals that are easy to grab and go. One swipes their card to cut produce and receives a healthy meal. Once finished, they dispose of their waste to be composted, planting a seed that can be used for an additional meal. The machine is an intersection of two cycles: the routine for older adults and people who eat from it, along with the growth and maturing of produce.
So What
Take and give. The environment provides healthy meals for the users, who give back the waste to continue the cycle and longevity of older adults.
Story and Statistics
The Link Between Design and Outcomes
Convenience and time-saving:
Implement vending machines in easily accessible public spots frequented by older adults, ensuring convenient access to nutritious meals during their daily routines.
Healthier Food Choice:
Grab and Go is a healthy meal choice service in the community. Which considers portion control, balanced nutrition, and calorie awareness.
Reduced Food Waste:
Minimize food waste by implementing a waste disposal system within the product that motivates users to compost their waste, promoting sustainable practices. This system serves as an incentive for waste reduction, allowing users to accumulate points for responsible waste disposal, which can be redeemed for a complimentary healthy meal.
Educational Value:
Promote an educational program where senior citizens take charge of the community center, educating the youth about nutrition, healthy eating, and the importance of sustainability. This initiative aims to foster a sense of community and keep older adults actively engaged and involved within the community.
Community engagement:
Engage the older adults to visit these public gathering points in the community to socialize and connect with their neighbors and also share a healthy meal.
Conversations at the Bus Stop
Experience within the Community Center
︎︎︎Download “Grab and Go Health”
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Works Cited
1. National Institute on Aging. "Recent Data on Nutritional Intake and its Impact on Elderly Health."
2. World Health Organization (WHO). "Impact of Nutrition on Productivity, Cognitive Function, and Physical Well-being: A Study."
3. Adler, Sarah Elizabeth. “Isolation in Older Americans Brings Health Risks.” AARP, March 4, 2019. https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/study-isolation-health-risks.html.
4. Muscaritoli, Maurizio. 2021. “The Impact of Nutrients on Mental Health and Well-Being: Insights from the Literature.” Frontiers in Nutrition 8 (March). https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.656290.