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

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.