In response to these findings, care home provider Care UK has created a collection of nostalgic recipes dating back from the 1950s through to today with the help of its residents in care homes across the country.
The poll found the top three nostalgic meals were quiche, casseroles and carrot cake. Also popular were chicken Kiev, prawn cocktail and Battenberg cake. It also emerged that 35% still use family recipes that have been handed down through the generations.
According to the research by OnePoll.com 62% believe their eating habits have changed as they have aged, with 65% of these trying to eat more healthily and 45% looking to be more adventurous. Some traditional foods may be on the verge of extinction, as beef topped a list of ingredients people buy less of now than they did five years ago.
Andrew Mussett, hotel services manager at Care UK, said: “Nostalgia is a powerful force that connects us to our past, and what better way to relive those cherished moments than through the comforting embrace of familiar foods served up in family favourite recipes passed down through the generations?
“Whether it's the aroma of a family recipe or the first bite of a childhood treat, nostalgic foods have the power to evoke happy memories and emotions and are a wonderful way to encourage reminiscence in older people, especially for those living with dementia. A home-cooked meal using a recipe enjoyed in the past creates an opportunity to remember the past and reflect on the people and places which inspired the dish.”
Top 15 favourite nostalgic meals include:
1. Quiche
2. Casseroles
3. Carrot cake
4. Chicken Kiev
5. Prawn cocktail
6. Crepes
7. Battenberg cake
8. Black forest gateau
9. Angel delight
10. Tinned pudding
11. Vol-au-vent
12. Pineapple chicken
13. Fondue
14. Devilled eggs
15. Pasta primavera