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- "Art nature" activity and cuisine in the MARPAs
Raising awareness amongst the elderly: "Art nature" activity and cuisine in the MARPAs
Context
The quality of nutrition has been proven to be a significant factor in healthy ageing. In addition to what is served, the conditions under which the meals take place are also decisive.
It is by working on these issues that the national federation of Marpas (Rural Retirement Homes) and the Louis Bonduelle Foundation have developed a programme for Marpa residents involving a two-stage process: "Art nature" activity and cuisine.
What is a Marpa ?
The Marpas, “Maison d’accueil rurale pour personnes âgées” (“rural retirement home”) offer a unique type of accommodation and support based on their residents’ well-being and the preservation of their autonomy. Each one offers its 20 or so residents private accommodations as well as communal living areas.
The aim is for everyone to have their own personal space while maintaining their previous activities and social relationships. Created in the mid 1980s, Marpas now total 155 homes, housing 3500 residents throughout France with 1500 employees and 100 projects.
Resources
The "Art nature" activity led by a gardener/artist involves the production of a work of art using the theme of vegetables. It involves using the forms of the vegetables and the surrounding areas for temporary art exhibits.
The culinary part, led by a chef, is made up of collections of recipes and cooking workshops in order to stimulate taste, expression, and transmission.
Results
The “Art nature” activity was conducted in a test phase in 2011 at three pilot Marpas: the Arc-en-ciel Marpa near Cholet in the Vendée department, the Villa Nova Marpa near Arras in the Pas de Calais department, and the Cœur Lauragais Marpa near Toulouse in the Haute-Garonne department.
The culinary workshops will be conducted in a test phase in early 2012 and then the project will be rolled out nationally.
