How can we foster caring meals? Findings from an ethnographic study in day care centers for older adults in Sápmi, Norway

Abstract

This study aims to advance our understanding of meals in Day Care Centers (DCCs) for older adults. By using a phenomenological approach, we aim to shed light on physical, sociocultural, and existential aspects of participants’ bodily experiences of meal situations. Based on a thematic analysis of qualitative data from seven weeks of ethnographic fieldwork in two DCCs for older adults in Sápmi, Norway (2021–2022), we explore how we can foster nourishing, meaningful, and diversity-sensitive meals, adjusted to the bodies cared for. In our conclusion, we argue that food should be considered an important part of care in DCCs—not only as a means to feed older adults but as a way to nourish the whole person cared for.