Acceptability of Convenience Food Among Older People Peura-Kapanen (original) (raw)
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Acceptability of Convenience Food Among Older People
SAGE Open, 2017
Independent living in their own home is currently an ideal shared by many older people. However, weakening physical strength and illness are often associated with nutritional risks. Convenience food is one option to ensure that nutritional needs are met, but convenience food itself and its packaging face negative attitudes. This article analyzes the factors connected to acceptability of and obstacles to using convenience food among older people in Finland. The analysis was done by using three sets of data gathered using a qualitative research method for examining how older people relate to convenience food and food packaging. The methods used were empathy-based stories (2011 n = 114) and two rounds of focus group discussions (2012 n = 22, 2014 n = 32). By and large, the study participants associated negative meanings with convenience food. Some saw convenience food as an easy solution in certain situations. Our study showed that elderly individuals valued healthiness of food, freedom of choice, and right of self-determination in eating. Acceptability of convenience food requires an availability of meals matching taste preferences and sensory capabilities. Moreover, healthiness of food and easy-to-use and environmentally friendly packaging were valued by many interviewees.
Perception of convenience food by older people living in Warsaw (on the example of vegetable soups)
Polish journal of food …, 2006
In order to evaluate the perception of convenience food by 96 elderly people aged 65 and over, an interview using the Repertory Grid Method (RGM) was carried out. Additionally, apart from the interview, some detailed information about the importance of nine factors influencing the respondents' choice of foods when shopping and their attitudes towards food-related quality of life was collected. Half the respondents lived alone, and the others with at least one person in a common household. Five convenience vegetable soups and two conventional ones were used as experimental material. No taste assessment (i.e. sensory analysis) was done. The empty packages of soups or photographs were randomly presented to the respondents in three triads. As a result, 14 different constructs describing sensory, health and convenience properties were obtained. The constructs were then grouped into six classes of similar characteristics. This analysis showed that older people perceived the convenience food as less healthy and tasty than the traditionally made meals. Taste and health aspects were found to be crucial determinants for convenience food. There were no statistically significant differences in regard to sex and age for the 7 soups' scores for the following attributes: tasty, convenient and healthy. Only the living situation had a significant influence on soups' scores for the attribute convenient: those living alone considered all ready-made soups and a deep frozen one as more convenient in comparison to the people living with others.
… Journal of Consumer …, 2008
Healthy dietary profiles contribute to successful aging, and dietary intake is dependent upon food procurement capabilities. Both formal and informal social networks can contribute to grocery shopping capabilities and methods of food procurement. This investigation explores the role of informal networks in food procurement methods among adults aged 65 years and older, and compares Ageing Int (2010) 35:253-275 differences across eight European countries. Food shopping ways (FSW), identified by quantitative analysis (cluster analysis and correspondence analysis), guided the content qualitative analysis which was carried out addressing three main research questions addressing food shopping routines, feelings of dependency and needs of informal support for shopping, and differences between past and present food shopping behaviours. Living circumstances influence food shopping habits. Informal networks differed between two groups of individuals: those living alone and those living with others. Gender differences emerged in shopping pleasure. Geographical factors were associated with preference for shopping companions, attitudes toward receiving support, and availability of a car for shopping. The importance of living circumstances (i.e., alone vs. with others) in FSW was revealed. Informal social networks may play an important role in public health and welfare policies, particularly given the increase in this demographic group. Assistance with grocery shopping and the availability of trained personnel could widen informal networks, and effective informal networks may be an important supportive service for older adults. The comparison across countries highlighted relationships between food B. Schuhmacher 1 Retirement age depends upon the national regulatory systems, e.g. in Italy for men is 65 yrs and for women, 60 yrs.
Review of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Studies, 2019
Home-Living Elderly People's Views on Food and Meals
Journal of Aging Research, 2012
Background. The aim of the study was to describe home-living elderly people's views on the importance of food and meals. Methods. Semistructured interviews with twelve elderly people. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results. Respondents described how their past influenced their present experiences and views on food and meals. Increased reliance on and need of support with food and meals frequently arose in connection with major changes in their life situations. Sudden events meant a breaking point with a transition from independence to dependence and a need for assistance from relatives and/or the community. With the perspective from the past and in the context of dependency, respondents described meals during the day, quality of food, buying, transporting, cooking, and eating food. Conclusions. Meeting the need for optimal nutritional status for older people living at home requires knowledge of individual preferences and habits, from both their earlier and current lives. It is important to pay attention to risk factors that could compromise an individual's ability to independently manage their diet, such as major life events and hospitalisation. Individual needs for self-determination and involvement should be considered in planning and development efforts for elderly people related to food and meals.
The Fears of Elderly People in the Process of Purchasing Food Products
Folia Oeconomica Stetinensia
Research background: The growing segment of elderly consumers implies the need to permanently explore the needs and expectations of older people in relation to the offer of food products. This is because, as the research results show, the households of the elderly are characterized by the different fulfillment of needs compared to others. Purpose: The survey conducted among people over 60 in 2019 was aimed at determining the selected concerns of senior consumers related to the safety of food products. Research methodology: The research among people over 60 years of age was conducted in the Wielkopolska region (of Poland) in 2019 on a sample of 373 people. The respondents were selected using the quota selection method. Results: The vast majority of seniors point to a variety of concerns about the safety of food products. This is surprising, as the respondents equally often emphasize that food in Poland is safe. Novelty: The observations are an important implication for producers or c...
Older Adults—Their Focus on Food and Future Living: A Grounded Theory Approach
The Qualitative Report, 2020
Older adults, also known as the silver generation, are the new healthy generation. This generation has for many decades formed the basis for the prosperity found in Norway. The ageing population is growing rapidly in many countries around the world. The aim of this paper is to understand healthy active older adults’ interpretations of food and meals and their focus on food and future living. Nine CurroCus® group interviews, or fast focus groups, were conducted, lasting 37 to 56 minutes with an average of 45 minutes. Altogether, 76 persons from both genders participated, with an age span of 60 to 87 years, although participants were predominantly female (80%). The main findings indicated that older adults expect good overall experiences at nursing homes, including food and drink with good standards adapted to the individual’s needs and smaller apartments with common rooms for activities; they also actively use technology in their everyday lives. Future research should focus on areas ...
Food portions and consumer vulnerability: qualitative insights from older consumers
Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, 2019
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore older people’s food consumption experiences. Specifically, the paper seeks to provide understanding on the influence of food intake on consumer vulnerability and how this manifests within people’s lives. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts an interpretive, exploratory approach, using in-depth interviews with 20 older consumers in the UK. Thematic analysis is conducted, establishing patterns and contradictions with the data. Findings The findings demonstrate how biological, psychological and social age-related changes can contribute to reduced food intake in later life. The loss of control over one’s consumption experiences as a result of inappropriate portion sizes acts as a source of both immediate and future vulnerability. Resultant food wastage can serve as an immediate reminder of negative associates with ageing, while the accumulative effect of sustained under-consumption contributes to increased frailty. As a result, con...