Add a Dash of Companionship to Increase Healthy Eating

The Surgeon General's report on social isolation and loneliness stating that a lack of social connectedness can increase risk of premature death due to health complications by 60%.¹ The shortage of contact with other people can negatively impact our physical and mental health. Research has consistently shown that social isolation and loneliness are associated with reduced physical activity and appetite as well as lower food in-take that leads to under-nutrition in older adults.² Making food for one can often reduce motivation to cook so adults may opt for something quick and nutritionally incomplete. Socially isolated older adults consume fewer fruits and vegetables with lower dietary variety.³ Home Instead, Inc. research found that⁴:

• Isolated older adults are 2x as likely to skip meals.
• 42% of older adults who eat alone reported being lonely in comparison to 19% of those who eat most of their meals with others.
• Socially isolated older adults receive 157 fewer servings of fruits and vegetables per year than those who are socially connected.

A Dash of Companionship

Food and social interaction are naturally interlinked. Food symbolizes shared experiences by connecting with others, cooking for those we care about or coming together to celebrate. One way to limit nutritional and health risks is by having a companion that you can share an entire dining experience with, from meal planning to enjoying a meal together. This is a great way to connect with someone you don't know well or an excuse to get together with a close friend. It can be a fabulous food adventure from planning a theme, researching ingredients and cooking something new with a friendly companion. The best part is sharing the meal together.

Tips for Healthy Eating:

• Keep a regular meal pattern - this will provide structure to your day and help create awareness of what and how much you are eating.
• If your appetite is small, engage in more frequent mini-meals throughout the day to maintain a nutritional balance.
• Plan meals ahead of time and use a variety of different foods.
• Mix it up! Try a variety of foods and something new.
• If cooking for one, one-pot dishes are excellent to freeze individual portions for those days you aren't motivated to cook.
• Have a virtual lunch or dinner with a friend or family member if you can't connect in-person.
• Cook with a companion and/or eat with other people when you can.

Sometimes thinking of new things to cook is a challenge. For ideas check out our nutritious and delicious Granite State recipes.

References:

1. Office of the Surgeon General (OSG). Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community [Internet]. Washington (DC): US Department of Health and Human Services; 2023-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK595227/
2. Hanna, Katherine et al., (February13, 2024) The association between loneliness or social isolation and food and eating behaviours: A scoping review
3. Whitelock E., Ensaff H. (2018) On Your Own: Older Adults’ Food Choice and Dietary Habits. Nutrients 10(4).
4. Home Instead. (June 14, 2023). Companionship Diet: A Recipe for Healthy Aging. https://www.homeinstead.com/care-resources/wellness-lifestyle/companionship-diet/