Encouraging the consumption of fruit and vegetables by older Australians: An experiential study

Abstract

Objective: To explore perceptions of dietary recommendations for fruit and vegetables, and barriers and opportunities for increasing consumption. Design: Qualitative study with an experiential component. Setting: Older adults' households. Participants: Six focus groups with 38 Australian adults aged 50 to 64 years who reported low vegetable consumption. Intervention: Week 1: focus group including demonstration of recommended fruit and vegetable servings; week 2: delivery of a week's supply of fruit and vegetables and recipes; week 3: follow-up focus group. Variables Measured: Perceptions of a healthful diet, fruit and vegetable recommendations, barriers to consumption, and reactions to the f..