There is no denying the fact that the diversity and cultural practices in India has a direct impact on our food habits and nutritional requirements.
Diet and nutrition are the basic requirements for a healthy living, hence the Senior Living sector in India needs to be sensitive to the Food and Beverage requirements of the Elderly residents in a Care Home.
While it is good to refer and adapt International Standards on Aged Care but then some areas cannot be a cut and copy job, it has to be developed within the country while keeping the dynamics and specific food habits across the country.
One of the major concern for Indian’s living in Retirement Communities in socially developed countries has been food and dinning.
Since Indian food habits are very different than those of America, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Hong Kong etc hence Food has always been a factor of discomfort.
It is not in our culinary habit to regularly eat Steaks, Red Meat, Pastas etc, hence the craving and feeling homesick for the humble Dal, Chawal and Roti is natural.
Though many International Retirement Communities have started incorporating community specific foods, however it is not available in every Care Home or Retirement Community across the Globe.
Since not many Care Homes in India would be having documented Dietary Guidelines for Indian Elderly, hence I am sharing a short compilation for the benefit of the larger cause.
The sources of the contents have been taken from:
- Dietary Guidelines for Indians, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad.
- Nutritional requirements for the elderly in India: A status paper, PubMed Central.
- Training Manual on Elderly Care for Community Health Officer at Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres.
Disclaimer: These are suggestions only and professional advice should be taken before developing individual diet and nutrition plan.
Document can be downloaded here (Dietary Guidelines for Elderly in India) or can be read below