Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/12118
Title: | Food activities and identity maintenance among community-living older adults: A grounded theory study |
Authors: | Plastow, NA Atwal, A Gilhooly, M |
Keywords: | Adaptation;Aging;Eating;Food;Life change events;Self concept |
Issue Date: | 2015 |
Publisher: | American Occupational Therapy Association |
Citation: | American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2015, 69 (6): ARTN 6906260010, (2015) |
Abstract: | OBJECTIVE. 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. METHOD. We used a grounded theory approach to analyze data collected in semistructured interviews with 39 predominantly White, British older adults living in West London. RESULTS. 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. CONCLUSION. 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. |
URI: | http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/12118 |
DOI: | http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.016139 |
ISSN: | 0272-9490 |
Appears in Collections: | Dept of Health Sciences Research Papers |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fulltext.pdf | 388.17 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Items in BURA are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.