Older people and food: independence, locality and diet

Selected findings are presented from 152 semi‐structured interviews of people aged 75 and over on the theme of dietary beliefs and practices. Participants resided in urban and rural localities in Scotland and were interviewed in their own homes. Data are presented on the perceived importance of food, defining healthy eating, locality and financial constraints. In considering the implications of data for policy and practice the concepts of the enabling locality and “proper” food are considered. Maintaining independence was the priority for participants and food was perceived as a contributing factor to keeping bodies going and limiting the potential for dependence on others.