Food tasting as nutrition education for older adults.

Purpose: The likelihood of experiencing poor nutrition status increases as people age. Sampling new foods may promote a continued interest in food and enjoyment of eating. This pilot study was designed to describe and provide a preliminary evaluation of food-tasting activities integrated into nutrition displays directed at community-living older adults.

Methods: Three consecutive monthly nutrition displays incorporating a food-tasting activity were presented at a Guelph, Ontario, recreation centre for seniors. Seniors had an opportunity to taste two recipes at each of three displays; 226 food samples and 155 copies of recipes were taken. Feedback forms were used to determine participants' interest in making the recipes, and whether tasting influenced their interest in preparing the food.

Results: Among 54 participants who completed feedback forms about the program, 75.9% indicated that they intended to prepare one or both of the recipes tasted at the display; 70.4% indicated that they would not or may not have made the recipe without tasting it beforehand.

Conclusions: Dietitians working with community-living older adults could use food tastings to help translate key educational messages into practice, and to encourage eating enjoyment as people age.