Acceptability of Convenience Food Among Older People

Abstract

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.

Exploring the Experience and Determinants of the Food Choices and Eating Practices of Elderly Thai People: A Qualitative Study

“…Globally, the consumption of ready-to-eat food or convenience food has increased rapidly [68]. In a past study, elderly people in Finland felt that the price of ready-to-eat food was greater than that of self-made food because self-made foods can be eaten over several days [20]. However, it is difficult to compare the ready-to-eat food in this study with those of Western countries due to many different factors.…”

“…Limited food choices are associated with poor dietary intake, worsened physical functions, and a decline in overall health status among elderly people [ 7 ]. Food choice consists of several components, such as biological processes [ 8 , 9 , 10 ], psychological conditions [ 11 , 12 ], and sociocultural [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ], economic [ 19 , 20 ], and environmental factors [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Significant research on food choices has explored the perceptions of those consuming the food [ 19 , 25 ].…”

Panti Wreda to Older Women: Diets Requirement, Access, and Malnutrition in Salatiga

“…Individual food preference and nutrition requirement will change as long as aging. Pain and dependency will associate with the elderly's risk to nutrition fulfillment, especially elderly who has poor well-being, high dependent level ad low income [6]. Panti Wreda Salib Putih which is consists of older people from several generations will affect their food preference.…”

“…In other hands, although mostly older peoples have food secure, accessing food still becomes a challenge. Food choice will change along with price, convenience and physic health [6]. Other opinion says that food choice in older people will change because of some factors, such as income, education, time, location, health, and smell and taste's changing [7].…”

Exploring the Experience and Determinants of the Food Choices and Eating Practices of Elderly Thai People: A Qualitative Study

“…Globally, the consumption of ready-to-eat food or convenience food has increased rapidly (61). However, in a past study, elderly people in Finland felt that the price of ready-to-eat food was greater than that of self-made food because self-made foods can be eaten over several days (62). However, it is difficult to compare the ready-to-eat food in this study with those of Western countries due to many different factors.…”