Elderly people missing out on cheaper foods, study claims

THOUSANDS of elderly people without access to transport are being forced to shop in local convenience stores which can be up to 40% more expensive than larger supermarkets.

These findings are contained in research on the grocery habits of the elderly poor which were completed for Combat Poverty by researchers at University College Dublin (UCD).

The study found the elderly prefer traditional diets and many have difficulty accessing their preferred foods at affordable prices in the local convenience chain stores which have replaced traditional local shops.

They also find portion sizes too big in many shops, and regularly encounter a lack of assistance in shops.

Many also have difficulties in reaching goods on shelves and eat less nutritious food as they can’t afford better quality.

Lack of accessible transport means many can’t travel to access better bargains.

The Elderly Poor and their Access to Grocery and Financial Services in Dublin study calls for bus services to be extended to meet the travel needs of the elderly, for more seats at bus stops and for greater education for the elderly on how to use price scanners and to shop on the internet.

It also calls for reduced off-peak delivery costs for elderly people when they shop online. Retailers, it suggests, should be made more aware of the needs of the elderly.

Meanwhile, a second Combat Poverty study on after-school services for disadvantaged children found such schemes were hugely valued by parents and children alike.

The study by UCD senior lecturers Dr Eilis Hennessey and Mary Donnelly found 53% of parents questioned believed participation in the clubs improved their children’s social skills by allowing them spend time with other children of their age.

A further 34% of parents said their children benefited academically from the schemes as teachers helped them with their homework.

A mother of one seven-year-old said: “He’s getting homework done. It’s difficult to do the homework at home. He wants to be out playing football all the time.”

Children were also questioned on how they benefited from attending the clubs, and the researchers found that many were introduced to new sports and activities.

Dr Donnelly said: “The children loved being there. Overall, we found that the availability of such clubs was greatly appreciated by parents and children alike, who said it improved family life.

“This is an area that is still unregulated but it clearly has huge benefits for parents and children.

“These clubs should be given more money and extended so that staff can be better trained and children benefit even more.”