We aim to provide life-enhancing services and vital support to people in later life. We and our local partners deliver a range of services across the UK.
Why does food shopping become more difficult in later life?
One in five (19%) of people aged 80-84 say they have difficulty shopping for groceries. This rises to 60% for those aged over 90. Our research shows that older people face a number of barriers to food shopping:
- Difficulty getting to food shops, particularly for those living in rural areas with further to travel and those who do not drive a car.
- Store layouts can be difficult due to high or low shelves and a lack of adequate rest facilities
- Difficulty carrying goods to and from the supermarket
- Some people struggle with online shopping and/or value the social interaction of doing their shopping in person.
AATS runs local food shopping services which have a range of benefits for older people, including preventing malnutrition, reducing social isolation and enabling them to be independent and remain in their own home for longer.