'I start my day by thinking about what we're going to have for dinner' : A qualitative study on approaches to food-related activities among elderly men with somatic diseases

• The aim of the present study was to address the question of how older men with somatic diseases living in ordinary housing approach the question of food-related activities. Further, any food-related activity adaptations consequent to effects of diseases and of alterred life circumstances were explored. Interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 18 co-living and singel-living men, 64-84 years old. They were diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, rhematoid arthritis, or stroke. In the analysis a thematic framework was used. The findings revealed three food-related approaches, namely 'Cooking as a pleasure', describing joy in cooking; 'Cooking as a need', indicating no habit or skills in cooking; and ' Food is served', that is being served meals by a partner. It was found that gender-related roles in particular, but also changed life circumstances, activity limitations, personal interests, and a wish to maintain continuity and independence, affected the men's approaches to these activities. This knowledge may be useful in attempts to facilitate and support food-related activities among elderly men with diseases. Health-care efforts in promoting food-related activities should preferably be individualised in respect to older men's approach to these activities.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Arbetsterapi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Occupational Therapy (hsv//eng)

Keyword

activities of daily living

adaptation

arthritis rheumatoid

continuity

cookery

gender role

men

limitations of activity

older people

Parkinson disease

qualitative research

stroke

Nursing

Omvårdnad

Occupational therapy

Arbetsterapi

MEDICINE

Medicin/Teknik

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)