Ireland has experienced much economic and social change in recent times along with rising levels of
overweight. Two-thirds of adults are now overweight or obese. Excess weight is a major risk for chronic disease for
all ages which heralds a great societal burden and presents challenges and opportunities for the food industry.
Individual food choice is an important and complex factor to be understood in order for food manufacturers to
enable healthy choices. It can be understood as a process in which patterns arise and change over time, influenced
by a range of personal factors and environmental influences. This study aimed to gain insight into the key contextual
influences on food choice patterns in older Irish adults of varied health status who have lived through much socioeconomic
change. In-depth semi-structured interviews on food choice across the life course were conducted with 32
adults aged 61-79. Data was thematically analysed using content analysis. Patterns of eating within the changing
food environment and dietary choices in the face of ageing and illness were influenced by accumulated life
experiences. Findings can contribute to health and nutrition policies and to the design of tailored interventions and
products to facilitate the adoption of healthful diets.
