Food Activities and Identity Maintenance Among Community-Living Older Adults: A Grounded Theory Study
Journal article
Atwal, A (2015). Food Activities and Identity Maintenance Among Community-Living Older Adults: A Grounded Theory Study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 69 (6). https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.016139
Authors | Atwal, A |
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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. Copyright © 2015 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc |
Year | 2015 |
Journal | American Journal of Occupational Therapy |
Journal citation | 69 (6) |
Publisher | American Occupational Therapy Association |
ISSN | 0272-9490 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.016139 |
Publication dates | |
01 Oct 2015 | |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 14 Feb 2017 |
Accepted | 01 Jul 2015 |
Publisher's version | License File Access Level Open |
https://openresearch.lsbu.ac.uk/item/875y5
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