Evaluating the Effect of a Home-Delivered Meals Service on the Physical and Psychological Wellbeing of a UK Population of Older Adults – A Pilot and Feasibility Study

Abstract

We evaluated the effectiveness of a 3-week, daily meal provision service by a non-profit provider on the physical and psychological wellbeing of an older adult population. We further examined the feasibility of carrying out such measures in participant’s homes. 19 older adult participants (8M, 11F; 78.3 ± 8.7 years) received 3 meals per day for 21 days and supplemented these meals ad libitum. Risk of malnutrition (Mini Nutritional Assessment; MNA) body composition, blood pressure, handgrip strength, balance, mobility, loneliness, social capital, satisfaction with life and mood were evaluated in participant’s homes before and after the intervention. Following the intervention, MNA score increased significantly and participants rated themselves as significantly less depressed. We describe a methodology that was largely feasible and outline ways in which it could be improved. We have demonstrated that even short-term, home meal deliveries improve MNA scores and can positively alter some measures of mood.

Keywords:

• Home meal delivery
• meals on wheels
• nutrition

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the participants in this study and acknowledge The Dartmoor Community Kitchen Staff, particularly Stella West-Harling and Peter Clarke for their assistance throughout the study period.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by an ESRC IAA Rapid Response Award.