The Health and Well-being Impacts of Community Shared Meal Programs for Older Populations: A Scoping Review

Author:

Middleton Georgia1ORCID,Patterson Karen A2,Muir-Cochrane Eimear2,Velardo Stefania3,McCorry Fidelma4,Coveney John1

Affiliation:

1. Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University , Adelaide, South Australia , Australia

2. College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University , Adelaide, South Australia , Australia

3. College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University , Adelaide, South Australia , Australia

4. Centre of Research Excellence in Translating Nutritional Science to Good Health, The University of Adelaide , Adelaide, South Australia , Australia

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives There are social and economic benefits to supporting individuals to live independently for as long as possible. Structured shared meal programs provide opportunities for older individuals to connect in their communities and likely impact their health and well-being. Research in this area has not been summarized in recent years. This scoping review was undertaken to explore the impact shared meal programs may have for older community-dwelling adults. Research Design and Methods Nine databases were systematically searched in 2020, and 5,996 unique studies were identified. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full text for inclusion. Reference lists of included papers were hand searched, and the search was updated in 2021. Eighteen studies were included in the final review. Results Studies were published between 1980 and 2021 and most were published in the United States. Most studies were cross-sectional, two adopted a qualitative design, one a cohort design. Significant associations were reported between shared meal programs and improved dietary intake; however, minimal improvements were reported for physical health measures. The programs had a positive impact on attendees’ social networks and perceived well-being. Discussion and Implications Structured shared meal programs show promise in supporting the health and well-being of older adults in the community. They provide additional nutrition, opportunities for social connection, and are perceived to contribute to perceived well-being. More investigation is required to understand how these programs work to facilitate health and well-being, and how they can best be used to improve health outcomes for older populations.

Funder

Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Subject

Life-span and Life-course Studies,Health Professions (miscellaneous),Health (social science)

Reference65 articles.

1. Assessment and management of nutrition in older people and its importance to health;Ahmed;Clinical Interventions in Aging,2010

2. New roads to commensality in widowhood;Andersen;Appetite,2020

3. Scoping studies: Towards a methodological framework;Arksey;International Journal of Social Research Methodology,2005

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