Food for Thought

Why we’re dining through the decades at Care UK

Food plays an important part in all of our lives, and there’s something special about the way the senses have the ability to evoke happy memories and emotions – which is why it forms the perfect basis for a reminiscence activity.

Teams in Care UK homes across the country stepped back in time to dine through the decades and celebrate resident’s favourite foods from the past. Whether it’s the 60s, 70s or even the 80s, our fantastic lifestyle and catering teams have been busy running all sorts of food-themed events designed to bring joy and prompt memories.

We’re proud to be forward-thinking in our commitment to activity-based care, which is why we’ve teamed up with food historian and BBC Back in Time for… presenter, Dr Polly Russell, as part of our nationwide ‘Food for Thought’ initiative.

Working alongside our fantastic Care UK chefs, Dr Polly has helped to create a nostalgic tasting menu, which features iconic foods from the last 70 years, and is designed to be used as a sensory tool to encourage reminiscence in older people.

The menu has been cooked by our award-winning catering team, and served as part of an interactive virtual session, led by Dr Polly, which takes residents through the history and associated memories of each dish as try each one.

Got your taste buds tingling? Discover the menu here.

With our in-depth knowledge of nutrition for older people, each dish has been formulated to maximise flavour, increase calories if needed, and can include texture modifications for those who have dysphagia.

If you’re looking for more information on nutrition for older people, take a look at our guide to ‘Eating as we age’.

Dr Polly has also recorded a short video, on the history of the afternoon tea for residents across the country to enjoy at their leisure, as they try each sweet treat for themselves. The video can be used by Care UK homes as a reminiscence resource, and is designed to be played while residents enjoy their own afternoon tea prepared by each home’s talented chefs.

Other home teams have found different ways of celebrating food memories – from dressing up in clothes from the swinging sixties and enjoying a themed buffet, to hosting a 70s bake-off competition, complete with pineapple upside down cake and bread and butter pudding.

Abney Court, in Cheadle, chose to re-visit the roaring twenties, hosting a Great Gatsby dinner party with a prosecco reception and canape starters. Lonsdale Mews, in Quorn, created a Dr Who inspired time travellers buffet, while Mill View, in East Grinstead, made their very own vintage sweet cart, filled with traditional confectionary.

Why take part in reminiscence activities?

Reminiscence activities can be extremely beneficial for older people, particularly those living with dementia, as long-term memory typically remains stronger than the short-term. Drawing on strong memories helps to boost confidence and provides an opportunity to re-live happy times, which can prompt conversation and evoke the associated emotions.

The significance of the senses

Our sense of smell, in particular, plays a huge role in reminiscence, as it communicates directly with the limbic system – the part of the brain that deals with memory and emotion.

When we talk about ‘flavour’, we are discussing the combination of two senses: taste and smell. This is why food can be such a powerful tool for triggering memories and positive feelings.

Reminiscence activities you can do at home

The important thing is that the goal of reminiscence isn’t to remember, but to enjoy time together and provide an opportunity to discuss happy memories that may come up while doing so.