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Acceptability of Convenience Food Among Older People

Author

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  • Liisa Peura-Kapanen
  • Piia Jallinoja
  • Minna Kaarakainen

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Liisa Peura-Kapanen & Piia Jallinoja & Minna Kaarakainen, 2017. "Acceptability of Convenience Food Among Older People," SAGE Open, , vol. 7(1), pages 21582440176, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:7:y:2017:i:1:p:2158244017698730
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244017698730
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Elisabeth Vesnaver & Heather H. Keller & Olga Sutherland & Scott B. Maitland & Julie L. Locher, 2016. "Alone at the Table: Food Behavior and the Loss of Commensality in Widowhood," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 71(6), pages 1059-1069.
    2. Silva Tedre & Aini Pehkonen, 2014. "Aging People as Communal Actors," SAGE Open, , vol. 4(2), pages 21582440145, April.
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