Vulnerability of Older Adults in the Context of Food Purchase

Abstract

Despite the aging population, studies on the subject are scarce, notably focusing on the impotence experienced by older adults when purchasing food products. This research aims to analyze the vulnerability of older people during their food purchases. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted 17 telephone semi-structured interviews with people aged 60 or over, food buyers in person, identified as independent. The content analysis using the software IRAMUTEQ showed problematic packaging and labels; predisposition to repeat previous choices due to the wide variety of foods; excessive portions incompatible with the social changes experienced by older adults; reduction of commensality; physical elements of the supermarket excluding older adults; and the COVID-19 pandemic as an impediment to maximizing well-being due to changes in habits and alternative shopping modalities needs. As a contribution, we propose an empirical vulnerability model that considers the particularities of older people for the food market and other markets.