24th Aug 2010 - 00:00
Abstract
According to a study, which was carried out by nationwide home meals service Oakhouse Foods, as many as 24% of those over the age of 65 regularly struggle with basic grocery shopping.
The proportion of those having difficulties rises to 39% amongst pensioners who are living alone. The biggest challenges cited by respondents were carrying shopping bags (42%) and being able to get to the shops (37%).
The report also found that almost a third of those experiencing difficulties had no help at all with grocery shopping.
Managing director Tony Blood said: "We knew this was an issue from talking to our customers and our research has highlighted the need for a user-friendly shopping service for the elderly without complications like internet-only ordering systems and added delivery charges.
"Without proper access to basic shopping there is a very real danger of malnutrition and our services are aimed at helping people to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible."
The research was conducted to coincide with the expansion of the Oakhouse Foods Grocery Essentials service, which allows individuals to order grocery products like milk, bread and eggs together with their regular home meals.
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