Food Activities and Identity Maintenance Among Community-Living Older Adults: A Grounded Theory Study.

Journal: The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association

Volume: 69

Issue: 6

Year of Publication: 2015

Affiliated Institutions:  Nicola Ann Plastow, PhD, is Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; nap@sun.ac.za. Anita Atwal, PhD, is Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy and Director, Centre for Professional Practice Research, Brunel University, London, England. Mary Gilhooly, PhD, is Professor of Gerontology and Director, Brunel Institute for Ageing Studies, Brunel University, London, England.

Abstract summary 

Engaging in food activities and maintaining identity are each important for productive aging. This study explored the role of food activities in identity maintenance among community-living older adults.We used a grounded theory approach to analyze data collected in semistructured interviews with 39 predominantly White, British older adults living in West London.Two lifelong food identities-"food lover" and "nonfoodie"-were maintained in the processes of participation and maintenance and threat and compensation. The process change in meaning and identity explained the development of a third food identity-"not bothered"-when participants experienced being alone at the table, deteriorating health, and worry about the cost of food.Food activities that are a pleasurable and important part of daily life contribute to the maintenance of important identities and mental well-being in older adults.

Authors & Co-authors:  Plastow Nicola Ann NA Atwal Anita A Gilhooly Mary M

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  3
Identifiers
Doi : 10.5014/ajot.2015.016139
SSN : 1943-7676
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
Study Design
Grounded Theory,Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
United States