Cooking with Roots: How Older Adults Strengthen Connection with Younger Generations Through Recipe Sharing

Abstract

This research investigates how older adults experience sharing recipes with younger generations, and examines conditions that contribute to the expression of generativity within the context of intergenerational recipe sharing. In Study 1, semi-structured interviews centered on experiences with intergenerational recipe sharing will be conducted with 30 older adults (age 65+). Participants will complete a survey of generative concern before and after engaging in a basic recipe sharing task. In line with previous research on generative art activities, responses will highlight feelings of autonomy as well as desires to teach others and leave a legacy. It is also hypothesized that generative concern will increase as a consequence of the recipe sharing task. Following preliminary research, Study 2 will examine how recipe type (special occasion vs. everyday-style recipe), mode of sharing (oral vs. written), and identity of recipe recipient (relative vs. stranger) influence generative concern in 792 older adults. Participants will complete the same survey described in Study 1 before being randomly assigned to one of eight recipe sharing tasks. After three sharing sessions, participants will be re-tested for present and future-oriented generativity. While all groups will show an increase in generativity over time, participants who share recipes with a younger relative and those who share recipes orally will benefit more from the intervention than their counterparts. Results will suggest that generativity is dependent on factors of recipe type, mode of sharing, and recipe recipient when recipes are passed from one generation to another. Implications and further directions are discussed, including intergenerational learning, well-being, and ego integrity in late life.

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