If I Get Dementia, Will I Be Served Meat?
Every January, many people are drawn to the challenge of Veganuary. It’s the perfect opportunity to try out plant-based living—even if just for a month—and to reflect on the impact of food choices. Motivations for veganism can include health concerns, ethical values, or a desire to make a positive impact on the planet.
Veganuary encourages people look deeper into eating habits, question where our food comes from, and take responsibility for the impact it has on our bodies and the world around us.
With Advance Care Planning in mind, what happens when maintaining a plant-based lifestyle becomes difficult, even impossible, due to life circumstances like illness or ageing? It’s a question I addressed with Amanda Woodvine, CEO of Vegetarian for Life in a podcast, and as we enter Veganuary 2025, it feels a good time to highlight this episode from the archives.
If I Get Dementia, Will I Be Served Meat?
“How do I ensure my dietary choices and values are respected, especially when I may not be able to advocate for myself in the future?”
I discuss with Amanda the growing number of older vegans and vegetarians are moving into care settings. These individuals often face challenges when it comes to having their dietary preferences honoured. It is sobering to realize how easy it could be for personal values to slip through the cracks in a system that might not prioritise or fully understand plant-based lifestyles.
The podcast highlights the problem and offers hope and actionable steps. Through proactive Advance Care Planning, measures now to safeguard choices for the future are identified. Tools and resources to help document and communicate wishes, even for something as specific as avoiding animal products, are provided as resource links in the episode show notes.
Key takeaways from the podcast
The podcast highlights:
The Growing Community of Plant-Based Elders: It was inspiring to learn how many older vegans and vegetarians are choosing plant-based lifestyles even as they age. Their stories affirm that these choices are sustainable for life—with the right support.
Challenges in Care Settings: Hearing about the difficulties some people face in having their dietary preferences honoured highlights why proactive planning is so crucial. These challenges are real, but they’re also manageable with the right strategies.
Practical Resources to Protect My Values: From written dietary plans to having conversations now about personal wishes, there are tools to ensure that plant-based living remains part of a person’s identity, even during times when capacity or cognition is impacted.
Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference
Veganuary is a time to reflect on the choices we make and the values we hold dear. Proactive planning not only reinforces our commitment to a plant-based lifestyle but also ensures that our values will be respected, even in challenging circumstances. Taking the time to prepare today can have a lasting impact, safeguarding a more compassionate and intentional future.
You can access the podcast in full at: If I get dementia, will they serve me meat? Advance Care Planning for vegans and vegetarians with Amanda Woodvine
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