Food shopping in later life: barriers and service solutions

Author:
AGE UK
Publisher:
Age UK
Publication year:
2012
Pagination:
18p.
Place of publication:
London

Being able to shop for food is important for older people to stay well and independent. However, 19% of people aged 65 and over report that they have a longstanding illness that prevents them from shopping or makes it difficult for them. This report looks at some of the barriers to food shopping facing older people, and at some of the shopping services run by local Age UKs to help older people surmount these barriers. It also looks at the part that retailers can play. Focus groups with older people revealed that older people may have difficulties getting to food shops, and, once in-store, may have difficulties with the store layout and with getting help from staff. Age-unfriendly packaging and large portion sizes were also a problem. The report recommends that retailers can attract and retain older customers by using the following measures: making stores fully accessible; helping older people to buy online; using retailers’ buying power to meet older people’s needs; and working with their local Age UK. Six examples of shopping services provided by Age UK which fall into 3 broad categories are described: escorted services; home delivery services; and internet shopping services.

Subject terms:
nutrition, older people, activities of daily living;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
United Kingdom
Link:
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