(D09) Capitalizing on Culture to Improve Healthy Aging Outcomes: The Role of Food Nostalgia

Memories and their associated feelings are rooted not just in food, but food that comes from our cultural upbringing; the tastes and smells of food can bring us back to a moment in our past and evoke positive feelings. For aging patients, capitalizing on the power of culturally appropriate foods through food nostalgia may help improve health outcomes. This presentation will cover the basic principles of providing culturally appropriate care throughout the aging process, specifically for patients with diabetes who may be provided with meals in a care setting where they lack control in the types of foods that are served.