
Social eating is one thing from the past we really should revisit for the sake of our mental and emotional wellbeing.
Many older people will have fond memories of shared meals with family and friends.
It was once common for family members to gather each weeknight for the evening meal – called “dinner” by some and “tea” by others.
On Sundays, there was often a big meal at lunch time, perhaps involving a roast, where extended family members and friends might join in.
Now, many people hold backyard barbecues, where the focus is as much on the neighbourhood gossip as the sausages and burgers.
But social eating as a daily habit has pretty much disappeared. There are many more single-person households, and even where there are many people, they tend to eat in different places at different times.
The increase in work demands and the variety of extracurricular activities has led to busier schedules, meaning many families struggle to find a common time to sit down for a meal together.
Individuals tend to retreat to their own space and watch television or engage with personal tech such as smartphones and gaming devices rather than other human beings.
While we’re unlikely to see the return of the nightly ritual, there are some good arguments for us to get together with others over a meal whenever we can.
First, it’s part of who we are. Early humans gathered in packs for protection and to share the fruits of their labour as hunter-gatherers.
The ancient Romans were renowned for their lavish banquets, which were a part of asserting political and social dominance – a tradition that passed on among the rich and powerful through the eras.
Even if we can’t afford a big spread, a shared meal is an opportunity for people of all ages to bond and communicate at a deeper level than might be possible over the phone or on a video call.
Sitting across the table from one another allows us to share experiences and ideas in a more relaxed and personal way.
It’s also good for our health.
In a research article titled Breaking Bread: The Functions of Social Eating, Oxford University psychologist and anthropologist, Robin Dunbar, noted that “those who eat socially more often feel happier and are more satisfied with life, are more trusting of others, are more engaged with their local communities, and have more friends they can depend on for support”.
If you haven’t had a meal with family or friends recently, perhaps now is the time to organise one.
It doesn’t have to be huge, fancy or expensive. Just gathering a few people together, with everyone contributing a dish – or “bringing a plate”, as we used to say – could rekindle a connection or create something special.
Resource
Social connection. A Queensland Government website linking to information about social activities and avoiding isolation. W. www.qld.gov.au/seniors/recreation-staying-connected/social-connection-leisure