MEALS ON WHEELS: PERSPECTIVES FROM TODAY’S AGING ADULT

Abstract

Low cost home-delivered meal (HDM) programs, like Meals on Wheels (MOW) provide nutritional and social support for older adults; however, there is a wide gap between those in need of HDM programs and participation rates. This study explored factors influencing aging adults’ interest in participating in a HDM program, like MOW. Awareness, perceptions, motivators and barriers toward participation, and preferred program attributes were examined. Four focus groups were held with 31 older adults not enrolled in MOW in a Midwest state. All completed a sociodemographic questionnaire. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes; questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Participants were primarily retired (80.6%), white (87%), “food secure” (71%), females (77.4%) between ages 65–84 years. Over half (54.8%) received congregate meals. Many reported being responsible for their transportation (80.6%), food purchases (87.1%), and meal preparation (77.4%). Many were aware of the MOW program but lacked awareness of other HDM programs. Participants associated MOW with loss of independence and poor food quality. MOW was positively viewed as a source of companionship. Key HDM program use motivators included affordable cost, choices/variety, nutritionist or dietitian involvement, and clientele testimonies. Common barriers were cost, skepticism of advertisement claims, food safety concerns, and limited meal storage space. Preferred program attributes were convenience and quality menu options. Preferred promotional strategies included brochures and group presentations with free meal samples. These findings will better enable MOW to restructure program components and implement marketing techniques that appeal to today’s aging adult.