Introduction: The aging population is a matter of global concern. Age-related
physiological, pathological, psychosocial, economic, cultural and environmental
changes are common and may greatly influence the quality of life of the elderly.
The aim of this review was to explore the determinants and motivations that drive
the elderly in making food choices. Methods: The search strategy of this literature
review used the PRISMA protocol. Potential literature that was related to food
choices was identified using two different combinations of keywords and two major
electronic search engines, namely Pubmed and Science Direct. The articles that
were selected for this review had to be in the English language, open-accessed and
published between January 2007 and December 2017. Results: From a search of
1398 articles, 15 articles (seven quantitative and eight qualitative) were identified
that were related to food choices among the elderly. The key factor that determined
food choices among the elderly population was identified to be health. Others
included convenience, sensory appeal, price, early food experience and more. The
limitations of these studies that were reported were the small sample size and the
reliance on self-reporting. The conclusions that were drawn were for specific groups
that were studied in this review should be extrapolated or generalised with caution.
Conclusion: Strategies for intervention programmes should be undertaken in
collaboration with health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and the food
industry. Future research is needed in the elderly who have chronic diseases, are
dependent or who have disabilities.