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Dr. Heather Keller
Professor, Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health
Schlegel Research Chair in Nutrition and Aging
Opinion
Canada needs more research on aging, nutrition and well-being in LTC
Dr. Heather Keller discusses the need to transform mealtime in Canada’s long-term care homes from a service to a meaningful form of care
As Canada’s population of older adults continues to grow, a significant number are living in long-term care (LTC) homes. Yet, despite the increasing demand for quality elder care, one critical aspect of well-being — nutrition — is often overlooked. Through years of research, I’ve come to understand that while nutritional content is undeniably important, the social and emotional context in which food is consumed plays an equally vital role in well-being.
For older adults in LTC, mealtime should not just be the food on the plate, but the whole experience. The difference between eating alone and sharing a meal with others is profound. That’s why mealtimes should be moments of connection, comfort and dignity.
Recognizing this, I developed CHOICE+, an eLearning program designed to empower LTC staff to create more enjoyable, resident-centered mealtime experiences. Grounded in the principles of relationship-centered care, CHOICE+ encourages staff to observe dining environments, reflect on resident interactions and implement changes that foster a sense of belonging and respect.
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
