Food Consumption for Longevity of Tai Yuan Elderly in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study the food consumption for longevity of Tai Yuan elderly under Lanna culture and study the conditions related to food consumption for longevity of Tai Yuan elderly. The target populations of  this research were Tai Yuan elderly in Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai province, 8 people aged over 80 years. Snowball sampling was used for this research. Research Instrument was structured Interview  and face-to-face interview. The research found that the food consumed by Tai Yuan elderly, were mostly derived from nature. Sticky rice is the main food. Chili sauce (Namprik) is a staple food items almost every meal, eaten  with fresh and steamed vegetables. Other foods would be curry soup, poached, roasted, stir or fried food. Each food would be added with flavored soybean fermented (Tuanao) which is the main ingredient for Tai Yuan cooking. Tai Yuan elderly usually eat less sugar, sour tasting derived from olive, and most foods do not add coconut milk and low fat content. In aspect of the conditions related with food consumption for longevity, Tai Yuan elderly are closer to nature, thus keeping local vegetables for cooking and enjoy growing vegetables as well. The intake of meat is mainly fish, 3 meals a day with an emphasis on breakfast and lunch. Tai Yuan large family would make elderly eat more. The descendants would be preparing food; each meal would consist 3-4 items, several cooking, and comprising nutrition which is good for health.