Serdang, 7 November 2024 – A unique and meaningful practical program was held at the MyAgeing®ï¸ Food Preparation Laboratory, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), involving undergraduate students taking the subject FSM4209 (Food Innovation in Food Service). The program, which will run for 10 weeks, is a collaboration between MyAgeing®ï¸ and the Faculty of Food Science and Technology. It aims to expose students to the concepts of food preparation and innovation tailored for senior citizens, who often face nutritional challenges due to physiological changes, such as digestion issues and dental health.

This practical program gives students the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of elderly nutrition and hone their skills in creating menus that are not only healthy but also innovative, easy to enjoy, and safe for seniors. Additionally, the program aims to provide exposure on the important role of food service in ensuring the well-being of the elderly, especially in terms of nutrition.

A total of 20 students from the Food Innovation in Food Service program participated in this practical. They were divided into four groups, each responsible for designing and preparing a special menu for senior citizens. The menus created are required to meet criteria for balanced nutrition, ease of digestion, and suitability to senior tastes.

The activity also involved a guest panel of evaluators from MyAgeing®ï¸ UPM, consisting of nutrition and eldercare experts. Assessment was based on several key criteria, including:

• Food Safety and Cleanliness: Ensuring that all dishes are prepared in accordance with food safety and cleanliness standards.
• Menu Suitability for Seniors: Evaluating how well the menu meets the dietary needs of seniors, including easily digestible textures and specific nutritional requirements.
• Innovation in Food Preparation: Assessing menu creativity and new approaches to food preparation for the elderly.
• Food Presentation and Serving: The visual appeal of food and its suitability to the tastes of seniors.

This practical program provides valuable experience for students in planning and preparing suitable food for the elderly. The success of this activity clearly demonstrates the importance of innovation in food service, particularly in meeting the needs of seniors who require special attention in food selection. This activity also opens up opportunities for students to leverage their creativity in developing better and more effective nutritional solutions.

This program not only sharpens students' technical skills in food preparation but also introduces them to the challenges and specific needs of eldercare, offering them a new perspective within the food service industry.

Date of Input: 08/11/2024 | Updated: 08/11/2024 | mn_norsyidah