As the song from the musical “Oliver” goes, “food, glorious food.” In truth, we all know that food is a non-negotiable in our effort to live, sustain life, live well and even live longer. Food is inextricably linked to health, but it also is tightly woven into memory and tradition. There is no question, food is a major area of focus in life, and this is particularly evident in the world of older adult care and services.

Of course, at the most basic level, we watch people’s intake and nutrition, managing special diets and ensuring that the kind of food texture and preparation suit the health needs of the individual. We monitor people’s weights, knowing that these are key indicators. Weight loss can alert us to changes in condition, diminished appetite or decline. Weight gain that is sudden could signal fluid retention and even heart failure. Those ongoing measures are vital clinical indicators.

But food goes so far beyond that. In our Jewish tradition, holidays and food are tied together. We know what Shabbat foods should be, how Passover traditions should be observed, what symbolic foods we will expect to find at Purim or Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah or Tu B’Shevat.

Working with older adults, we know that those traditional foods are much more than the tastes we expect. They are triggers for reminiscence, for what “my mother used to make” or how holidays were celebrated. These special foods can open doors to memories that may not have been shared for years, and they can be the springboard to meaningful conversations and connections.

Preparing food together has also been a wonderful way to build community and connection with our elders. When we gather at a table, making anything from dessert to pizza, the conversation flows. Even in those who may be struggling with cognitive or physical challenges, skills remain—chopping, mixing, combining and more—they are all movements done so many times in the past and the muscle memory remains.

While those opportunities for meaningful food-related programs exist, we have also found that participation in making food items, talking about them, eating and enjoying them together, helps to stave off weight loss. In part, we think, it is because of the joy of being involved in the process and in part, because of the power of sharing the experience, the stories and the memories.

If you have older adults in your life, consider using food and food preparation as a tool—to open the doors of memory and to create new and treasured memories as well.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)