In case you ever wondered, here's an inside look at the vibrant dining experience at Aegis Living's Mercer Island community. At the heart of this culinary journey is Ashleigh Pedersen, the Director of Dining and Nutrition Services, who is on a mission to nourish both the bodies and souls of the community's senior residents.
"Food is comfort. Food is the way we connect with one another," Pedersen explains. Under her guidance, the Aegis culinary team crafts menus that balance health needs with the joyful celebration of diverse cuisines and cultural traditions.
Residents at Aegis Mercer Island are treated to an ever-evolving array of international flavors, from Thai green curry to Mexican-inspired dishes. Pedersen works closely with the community's chefs to introduce new ingredients and recipes that expand the palates of the residents.
"We want our dining rooms to be places our residents are excited to gather, not just for the nutritious food, but for the whole experience," says Pedersen. This exchange of culinary traditions helps foster a true sense of community, as residents bond over the personal stories and memories evoked by the food.
Pedersen is spearheading new community-wide celebrations that invite the broader Mercer Island population to join in the culinary fun. From farm-to-table dinners to chili cook-offs, these monthly events aim to de-stigmatize aging and showcase the vibrant, food-centric culture of the senior living community.
"We want Aegis to be a place that's welcoming to everyone, not just our residents," Pedersen says. "Food has this incredible power to bring people together, to share stories and traditions. That's what we're hoping to cultivate here - a true community centered around the joy of eating and celebrating life."