Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging

Inclusivity

Working with compassion, integrity, and humility to promote an age-positive and age-inclusive culture guided by the needs and interests of diverse older adults.

Collaboration

Establishing intergenerational, interdisciplinary, and cross-sectoral partnerships to build capacity in research and education in the field of aging.

Innovation

Developing and translating evidence on age-inclusive technologies, environments, practices, and policies to improve the health and well-being of older adults, in a sustainable manner.

Leadership

Being recognized as a valuable hub within our institution, our community, and beyond for catalyzing connections and advancing innovations to better serve the older adult population.

Older adults in long-term and residential care facilities often encounter difficulties accessing culturally inclusive mealtime practices that reflect their diverse backgrounds. In response to this issue, a team from the UCalgary Centre on Aging—led by Erin Davis (Research Coordinator) and Prangad Gupta (Student Research Assistant)—recently conducted a comprehensive scoping review to examine the current state of culturally diverse mealtime routines and menu options in these settings.

The scoping review, which involved an in-depth analysis of 42 literature sources, identified several key barriers that hinder the adoption of person-centred care during mealtimes. These barriers include rigid meal schedules, insufficient staff training, and budget constraints. The review also highlighted several promising practices, such as implementing flexible mealtime schedules, providing staff training on cultural food preparation, and establishing partnerships with cultural organizations.

Building on these findings, the review offers a number of recommendations to promote more culturally inclusive mealtime practices in long-term and residential care settings. These include actively involving families and communities in meal planning, increasing funding for culturally appropriate ingredients, and adopting flexible policies to support diverse dietary needs. In addition to the literature-based recommendations, the review emphasizes the need for broader systemic change to ensure culturally responsive care is embedded in everyday practice. To support implementation, the research team developed an infographic that outlines practical, actionable strategies for care facilities.

June 1, 2025

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Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging

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Cultural Identity on the Menu: Enhancing Mealtime Practices in Long-Term and Residential Care Facilities

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