My first science experiment was in sixth grade for our county’s science fair. Over three months, I tested how my grandfather’s blood sugar responded to green leafy vegetables versus brown rice at dinnertime. My mom would prepare traditional South Indian meals, including those foods, and my dad would supervise as I measured and administered insulin and recorded my grandfather’s blood sugar levels.

It was the first time I observed how much thought, care and uncertainty there can be in supporting the nutritional needs of a relative with a complex health condition.

Today, as a health services researcher studying how family caregivers manage food and nutrition as part of taking care of older family members, I know that helping an older relative eat well doesn’t just support their health. It can also bring them joy, boost their energy, prompt nostalgia or offer fun opportunities to experiment with new flavors.

But addressing nutrition for older adults, who may have multiple chronic conditions, can be complex. Many of the caregivers I interview for my research don’t recognize how much time, energy and effort they dedicate to their nutrition-related responsibilities until we have a focused conversation about it.

Too often, caregivers are left to manage these substantial responsibilities alone, with limited resources and information about nutrition.

How family caregivers support nutrition

Over 60 million caregivers in the U.S. support a relative, friend or neighbor with daily activities, such as dressing and transportation, and with complex aspects of daily life, such as navigating finances and communicating with clinicians. An estimated 1 in 4 family caregivers of older adults help with nutrition and dietary modifications, my colleagues and I find.

Nutrition needs change with age. Older adults generally need fewer........

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