How food related nostalgia could help combat malnutrition in older adults

Malnutrition in older adults is a growing concern, which will become more prevalent as our population ages. As people age, they tend to eat less, often feeling fuller and less inclined to eat after illness.

In response to this challenge, researchers at Washington State University (WSU) believe the answer lies in making food emotionally appealing as well as tasty and nutritious, tapping into the nostalgia people associate with food.

To test this out, the research team developed appetising and nutritious dairy-rich breakfasts and desserts for 81 older adults aged over 60 and had them taste two breakfast meals and two desserts.

Afterward, the participants were then asked a series of questions about the meals and individual eating habits.

Prof. Carolyn Ross, the research lead, noted that the most appealing foods were those that provided comfort and nostalgia, such as a grandmother’s cookies.

“If a product evoked more nostalgia, then we found that they liked it more,” Prof. Ross said.

Prof. Ross said although food-related nostalgia may be difficult to measure, it showed up in many responses from the participants in the study.

“Those terms are tricky to describe, but it’s one of those ‘you know it when you see it’ things,” Prof. Ross said.

“We’re working now to hone down how people define those terms so we can help make more foods that appeal to this age range.”

Prof. Ross hopes to use these results and work with prepared food manufacturers to design foods specifically for older adults who want nutritious and enjoyable meals.

If you’re worried about your diet, there are still ways to find pleasure in your food without having to wait for science to tap into your childhood nostalgia.

Sometimes combining foods together can help increase the benefits of your favourite meals. So what exactly should you be eating with what to reap the rewards?

Yogurt and almonds

Sometimes there’s nothing more delicious than some crunchy nuts in a smooth yogurt. While it tastes amazing, it could also be a powerful food combination. We’re often told fats are bad for us, but our bodies still require certain types of fat for a healthy diet.

The fat and probiotics from yogurt react well with the vitamins found in almonds. Ones to look out for that are fat-soluble include A, D and E. This means you can still enjoy certain fatty foods, as long as you eat them in moderation and with the right vitamins so your body can process them correctly.

Tomatoes and avocados

While a lot of people love nothing more than smashed avo on toast, researchers at the California Polytechnic State University suggest that eating avocados with tomato is a great way to reduce the risk of cancer.

Tomatoes naturally contain an antioxidant known as carotenoid that has the potential to reduce the risks associated with cancer and cardiovascular disease, but it needs certain fats to work properly. As such, mixing it with avocado gives it the kick it needs to become more bioavailable.

Chocolate and apples

It sounds like a strange combination, but eating chocolate with apples could help when it comes to improving an array of health issues including heart attacks, allergies and even cancer.

A study by Barry Halliwell, Ph.D. from the National University of Singapore suggests eating the two foods together has the ability to loosen clumpy blood platelets. What this actually does is improve cardiovascular health, which in turn, can reduce the impacts of the health issues.

When in doubt, always opt for red apples and try to pick organic fruits and chocolates where possible.

Rock melon and eggs

Fruit and eggs usually don’t sound very appetising together, but rock melon and eggs together could actually be a powerful combination. Eggs are high in protein and rock melon is a good source of carbohydrate.

In simple terms, eating the two together or close together could prompt your body to regulate insulin in the body and keep sugar levels low.

Garlic and fish

Neither are particularly pleasant on the nose, but both garlic and fish can have an array of benefits on your health. Cooking fish with garlic has the potential to lower your cholesterol than if you were to eat fish or a clove of garlic by itself.

Orange juice and porridge

Most people would happily tuck into their morning porridge and orange juice without thinking anything of it, but you could actually be preventing a heart attack by doing so.

Studies suggest that consuming the pair together has the potential to clean your arteries. While there certainly isn’t anything wrong with drinking juice alone or eating porridge by itself, combining the two can help stabilise bad cholesterol in your body.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.