Food Texture, Eating Rate and Food Intake in Care Home Older Adults.

It\'s estimated that around 1 in 10 older adults are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition in the UK. In comparison with the general older adult population, care home residents are more likely to be underweight. Many factors can affect food intake and choices of older adults. The previous studies of this PhD project have shown that 1) older adults who eat slower, consume less food and 2) that there are food textures that are consumed at a significantly faster pace than others. Following these results, this research will specifically aim to test if providing meals including food textures that require reduced oral processing can increase eating rate and total food intake in care home dwelling older adults. The potential benefits of this research is to inform how providing appropriate food textures can increase older adults (dwelling in care homes) eating speed, ease oral processing and consequently improve food intake, which can help towards better overall health and quality of life. Participants will be asked to take part in two study days, one week apart. On the one day they will consume all meals including textures that require reduced oral processing (\"easier\" food textures), and on the other day all meals including textures that require increased oral processing (\"more difficult\" food textures). The meals will be balanced for energy content per portion, and all foods will be within the normal range of foods provided in care homes. The researchers will record food and energy intake from each meal, duration of meal and calculate eating rate of each meal. The research will be recruiting from care homes around England, who have reviewed and agreed will all parts of the research. Participants who consume a regular diet can be included.