Qualitative Study on Dietary Resilience in Later Life
摘要
This chapter explores the concept of dietary resilience in older adults. It presents findings from a qualitative study focused on everyday eating practices and strategies that enable the maintenance of independence, health and quality of life in later life. The analysis of twenty-three participant interviews revealed several key dimensions of resilience: independence in eating, gendered culinary and caregiving practices, mindful eating and the enjoyment of food, adaptation to health limitations, diversification of food sources, the use of social networks and knowledge of healthy eating principles. The results show that resilience is not limited to functional adaptations such as modifying recipes or using kitchen aids but also encompasses emotional, social and cultural dimensions ranging from sensory enjoyment and the preservation of traditions to engagement in social relationships and community activities. The study emphasises that dietary resilience results from the interplay between personal motivation, culturally learned practices and available material and social resources.