Visual Contrast in Dining: Boosting Intake for Older Adults

How Plate Colors Can Impact How Much We Eat

Ever notice how a perfectly plated meal looks more appealing? A recent systematic review highlights that for older adults, particularly those with cognitive decline, the visual contrast of their dining environment can significantly impact how much they eat Source.

The review suggests that by making food stand out more from the plate, and the plate from the table, we can encourage greater dietary intake. This isn't about fancy garnishes, but rather using different colors to create clearer visual distinctions.

The Role of Contrast

Visual contrast refers to the difference in lightness or color between objects. In the dining setting, this means the contrast between:

• Food and plate: A dark soup in a light bowl, or light-colored mashed potatoes on a dark plate.
• Plate and placemat/table: A colored plate on a contrasting placemat.

For older adults, declining vision, reduced color perception, and cognitive changes can make it harder to differentiate food from its container or the surface it's on. This can lead to reduced food intake, as meals might appear less inviting or even harder to locate on the plate.

Why This Matters for Older Adults

Many older adults face challenges with adequate nutrition, which can include decreased appetite, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and sensory changes like taste and smell. This systematic review adds another layer: visual perception.

When food blends into the plate, or the plate blends into the table, it can subconsciously (or consciously, for those with more pronounced visual impairment) lead to less consumption. By boosting this visual contrast, meals become more distinct and potentially more appealing, encouraging more bites.

Practical Tips for the Dining Environment

Making these changes doesn't require a complete overhaul of your kitchen or dining room. Simple adjustments based on the principles of visual contrast can make a difference.

Choose Contrasting Dinnerware

Consider using plates and bowls that offer a strong color contrast with the typical foods served. For example:

• If serving a light-colored meal (like chicken and mashed potatoes), use a dark-colored plate.
• If serving a darker meal (like stew or a colorful vegetable medley), a light-colored plate would be more effective.

Avoid white foods on white plates or brown foods on brown plates, as these tend to blend.

Use Contrasting Placemats

Extend the contrast to the table setting. If you're using white plates, a dark-colored placemat can help the plate stand out. Conversely, a lighter placemat can highlight darker plates.

What About Glassware and Utensils?

While the primary focus of the review is on food-plate and plate-table contrast, the same principles can apply to other dining elements. Clear glasses against a light tablecloth might be harder to see than against a darker one, though more research is needed in these specific areas.

Supporting Those with Cognitive Decline

The review specifically notes a potential benefit for individuals with cognitive decline. For these individuals, simplifying visual information and making food elements clearer can reduce confusion and increase engagement with the meal. This subtle environmental cue can be a gentle way to support better nutritional habits without direct prompting or pressure.

In essence, by thoughtfully selecting dining ware and linens, we can create an environment that subtly nudges older adults towards better dietary intake, making mealtime a more pleasant and beneficial experience.