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Food Diversity and Aging Well in a Multicultural City: A Case Study of Japanese Canadian (Nikkei) Seniors and Community Congregate Dining

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 January 2026

Yukari Seko Open the ORCID record for Yukari Seko [Opens in a new window] ,
Veen Wong Open the ORCID record for Veen Wong [Opens in a new window] ,
Rayna Adachi  and
James H. Tiessen
Yukari Seko*
Affiliation:
School of Professional Communication, Toronto Metropolitan University , Canada
Veen Wong
Affiliation:
School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo , Canada
Rayna Adachi
Affiliation:
Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto , Canada
James H. Tiessen
Affiliation:
Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University , Canada
*
Corresponding author: La correspondance et les demandes de tirés-à-part doivent être adressées à : / Correspondence and requests for offprints should be sent to: Yukari Seko, School of Professional Communication, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada (yseko@torontomu.ca)
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Abstract

This case study documents the characteristics of a Community Congregate Dining (CCD) for Japanese Canadian (Nikkei) seniors aged 65+ in the Greater Toronto Area and explores participants’ and providers’ experiences. Data were collected through (a) observations of six CCD sites; (b) qualitative interviews with 45 CCD program participants, 1 family member, 15 program providers and volunteers; and (c) analysis of policy and administrative documents about the CCD programs. Our thematic analysis identified social benefits, educational benefits, and the importance of Japanese meals and entertainment that together created a unique atmosphere of ‘Japanese-ness’ at the CCD. While the CCD fosters a sense of belonging and supports healthy aging among Nikkei seniors, the program’s success depends on managing diverse linguistic needs, maintaining opportunities for meaningful interaction, and ensuring transportation access. The findings highlight broader lessons for designing inclusive and culturally responsive social services for increasingly diverse Canadian older adults.

Résumé

Résumé

Cette étude de cas porte sur les dîners communautaires destinés à des Canadiens d’origine japonaise (Nikkei) âgés de 65 ans et plus dans la région du Grand Toronto (RGT). Elle en documente les caractéristiques et explore les expériences des participants et des organisateurs. Les données ont été recueillies par trois voies: (a) des observations de six dîners communautaires; (b) des entrevues qualitatives avec 45 participants à ces programmes; (c) l’analyse de politiques et de documents administratifs sur les programmes de dîners communautaires. Notre analyse thématique a fait ressortir les bienfaits sociaux et éducatifs de ces programmes, ainsi que l’importance des repas japonais et de l’animation culturelle qui créent une ambiance nippone unique. Les dîners communautaires favorisent le sentiment d’appartenance et soutiennent le vieillissement en santé parmi les aînés Nikkei. Leur succès repose sur la gestion de divers besoins linguistiques, l’entretien d’occasions d’échanges valorisants et le maintien de l’accès au transport. Les résultats de l’étude peuvent servir de modèle plus large pour la conception de services sociaux inclusifs et culturellement adaptés à l’intention d’une population d’aînés canadiens de plus en plus diverse.

Keywords

community congregate diningaging in placediasporic foodwaysJapanese CanadiansimmigrantsGreater Toronto Areadîners communautairesvieillir à domicilehabitudes alimentaires diasporiquesCanadiens d’origine japonaiseimmigrantsrégion du Grand Toronto

Information

Type
Article
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 45 , Issue 1 , March 2026 , pp. 152 - 161
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Canadian Association on Gerontology

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