[Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture] Promoting Frailty Prevention and Prevention of Eating Alone for Seniors! "Senior Cafeteria - Senkyakubanrai" Held Monthly at Mizuno Community Center

Sayama City Mizuno Community Center (891-4 Mizuno, Sayama City) is holding "Senior Cafeteria - Senkyakubanrai" for elderly residents.

This event, held on the third Thursday of every month since April 2024, aims to promote frailty prevention among seniors by encouraging them to eat well-balanced meals and to prevent social isolation (eating alone). Frailty prevention is crucial for extending the healthy lifespan of seniors. Frailty prevention includes social participation and interaction with others, as well as consuming balanced meals.

Under the guidance of a registered dietitian, seniors prepare nutritious meals, enjoy conversations while tasting them. The program is designed for those who are not confident in cooking or usually rely on others for meals, allowing them to easily participate.

June Menu: "The Golden Ratio of Thickeners and Textures to Prevent Choking"

In June, the menu was themed "Let's make food that is easy to swallow and eat." Dishes prepared included soft chicken meatballs in ankake sauce, cabbage dressed with yukari, and Japanese-style potage. Choking occurs due to age-related decline in swallowing and coughing muscles, reduced saliva production, and other factors. Foods with a smooth, thickened texture are ideal for preventing choking. On the day, participants completed the dishes while receiving cooking tips from the registered dietitian.

[Menu] Rice, Soft Chicken Meatballs in Ankake Sauce, Cabbage with Yukari Dressing, Japanese-Style Potage, Seasonal Fruit

The theme changes every month.

April Menu: Karaage with Crispy Texture and Kenchin-jiru with Local Vegetables

The menu focuses on protein, which seniors often overlook, and incorporates plenty of seasonal vegetables. In April, the menu combined crispy karaage with local vegetables. In May, the program incorporated methods for effectively using microwave residual heat... guiding seniors to prepare safe and nutritionally balanced meals.

The colorful meals are served with desserts such as seasonal fruits, providing a satisfying dining experience.

[Schedule] Third Thursday of every month, 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM *Recruitment is held monthly. Details are published in the community center newsletter the month before the event.

[Location] Cooking room, Sayama City Mizuno Community Center (891-4 Mizuno, Sayama City)

[Eligibility] Approximately 70 years and older

[Capacity] 12 people *Priority given to residents and workers in Sayama City.

[Participation Fee] 700 yen (collected on the day)

[Guidance] Regional Nutritionist Association, Saitama Prefecture Health Office jurisdiction

[Organizer] Mizuno Community Center

Next session will be held on July 16 (Thursday). The theme is "Let's make food with a satisfying chewiness."

The Joy of Cooking and Eating Together

As a "community food salon" based at the community center, we aim to create a society where seniors can live vibrant lives with roles in the community, without feeling isolated. Through the "joy of cooking for oneself" and the "pleasure of eating with others," we hope they will live healthy lives, both mentally and physically, in their familiar communities.

https://www.s-seiun.co.jp/shisetsu/sayama/mizuno_kominkan/category/cate-info/

Inquiries

Mizuno Community Center https://www.s-seiun.co.jp/shisetsu/sayama/mizuno_kominkan/category/cate-info/

Distribution Source

Sayama City Hall https://www.city.sayama.saitama.jp/