Food shopping in later life in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 2014 - 2016

This research focused on food shopping in later life in urban, suburban and village settings in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. It comprises of 2 focus groups and 25 semi structured interviews from 2014 and 2015 and 475 self-completion questionnaires from 2016. These methods were used to ascertain the value placed on food shopping as distinct from other forms of shopping. Of interest to the researchers was the role food shopping (specifically) played: beyond the buying of provisions to include a/the social dimension and its role in expressing, for example, independence and choice(s). As part of the work, a range of contextual and individual factors are included to support associated findings and insights. The overall project aims were: to understand the value of food shopping; to identify any issues and problems for older people and shopping; to share insights in order to improve, where possible, the situation and experience of those in later life when food shopping. The underpinning research questions were: what is the role and value of food shopping in later life? Does food shopping play a wider role (for example, is there a social element to food shopping in later life)? Can food shopping support individuals in later life in maintaining, for example, independence? Are there factors that constraint the food shopping habits and behaviour of those in later life and, if so, can these be overcome