Food Delivery Apps and Their Potential to Address Food Insecurity in Older Adults: A Review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Technology and Society

Background:

• Global increase in the older adult population.
• Significant prevalence of food insecurity among seniors.
• Limited research on technology, specifically food delivery apps (FDAs), for older adults' food security.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review on the use of FDAs among older adults (≥50 years).
• To explore the potential of FDAs to address food insecurity and nutritional health in this demographic.
• To identify equity considerations and influencing factors for FDA adoption by older adults.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review of publications and technical reports (2019-present).
• Searched interdisciplinary databases (e.g., ScienceDirect) and internet sources (e.g., government websites).
• Included studies on general technology use, FDAs, food insecurity, and nutritional health in older adults.

Main Results:

• 19 studies from 10 countries were identified.
• Limited evidence suggests FDAs can help address food insecurity.
• Equity concerns exist for rural older adults or those with physical limitations.
• Customized app features enhance user intention to adopt FDAs.
• Potential negative impacts include food waste and promotion of ultraprocessed foods.

Conclusions:

• FDAs offer a potential avenue to combat food insecurity among older adults.
• Addressing equity and accessibility is vital for effective implementation.
• Further research is necessary to fully understand the multifaceted impacts of FDAs on older adults' food security and health.