Food in senior living - Why is food the biggest criteria in decision making?

In Bharath, Food is not just for living, it is a story of Childhood, it is a Memory, it is a Pride and an Emotion.

Aging - being a natural and inevitable process, it is essential to reduce, restrict or refrain ourselves from some foods to maintain a healthy independent living.

You know that your mother likes Urgai/ Uppinakai, but can’t serve her as she has BP complaint. Knowing your father is crazy about sweets can't give him one as he is diabetic. It's an emotional drain out on both the sides.

And at that tipping point it is "let me eat what I want" live counter of debate unfolds. Food is the first line of Defense. Do the pictures of elderly people flash through your eyes?

This is perhaps not a matter of debate, disagreement nor applause. And you are not alone here - According to the reports of NHRC (National Human Rights Commission) 2011 census reports that elderly population in India is around 101.3 million, which constitutes to around 10% of population, where every other house has similar situation as yours.

But many Baby Boomers are out to explore new tastes and trends influenced by social media just like Gen Zs. A survey by FSD (Food Service Directive) reveals that 7 of 10 elderly are voicing for variety and aesthetically appealing serve.

It is not always possible regularly to serve variety, make a plate aesthetically appealing for the people at home then pack the box for children, get ready as if you have only one dress that you can wear for office, raise your voice on spouse for not filling water bottles and then run to catch a cab. After you leave, shutting the door loud, basking on couch, watching videos, you get a call with a livid tone saying- "Beta - people with thyroid shouldn't eat cabbage and its cabbage fry for lunch, what should I eat then?" when you have already spoken about not to get influenced by the videos.

If you are joint family imagine the everyday hassle, if nuclear family imagine the everyday worry, with No err on either side, where each other is wanting the other to be comforted.

In the world of influencers, internet being flooded with information, accessible on a swipe, there is an ocean of generalized opinions with no validation from experts and everything extremely captivating.

Ensuring the quality of life, especially in relation to age-related changes and age-associated ailments, among the growing geriatric population is a challenge. We Team Vedaanta are here to make the ends meet.

There is no 'one size fits all solution' but "Yes" with minimum adjustments and maximum care we can fit in.

At Vedaanta Senior living community, we take the joy of assisting elderly and based on medical history, medication routine - we ensure that a nutritious, balanced and interesting meal is served ensuring even the taste buds enjoy.

Senior living communities that thrive are those where 87% of future residents feel their specific health goals and personal flavour histories are respected. We at Vedaanta - 'Thrive'. A routine issue of what to be served/ prepared is taken care. We make nutritious as well as sensory choices opiniated by our Nutritionists.

On a common note, for elderly cognitive changes are to be handled with great care, that which decides how they act, pursue things and react. Along with providing nutritious meals complying diet specific requirements, holistic well-being is focused on a bigger picture.

Our gut and brain are deeply inter-linked. 95% of serotonin, a neurotransmitter is realized in gut. Ayurveda strongly believes that the state of gut is the state of body. But as we age the nutritional absorbent capacity decreases/ slows down (Sama Agni) because of lessened physical activity. So it is advice that some of the foods could be minimized, mitigated and/or prevented through appropriate dietary guidelines and nutrient recommendations. At Vedaanta Senior Living, for such nutrition specific dietary recommendations, a curated menu is developed, disseminated which is derived from context-specific nutritional requirements. Residents are encouraged to join together to enjoy wholesome meals within calm and pleasant surroundings, resulting in a reaffirmed commitment to healthy and fulfilling living.

Food is no longer merely for sustenance; it is divine supporting life and consciousness. An indicator of quality of life, care, and independence.

In a world where humans are competing with machines, it is possible to handle a nuclear family and saluting every individual who is personally taking care of elderly or who have embraced the wisdom of maintaining a healthy distance while nurturing connection.

Vedaanta Senior Living is here to extend the Support and Care you wanted to render for your elderly.