Unwanted loneliness, food practices, and Mediterranean diet adherence among older adults in Barcelona city (Spain)

Progressive population aging and the rise of single-person households have profoundly transformed the dynamics of daily commensality. This article presents a phenomenological mixed-methods study exploring the food practices, habits, and emotional meanings of older adults (aged 65 and over) living alone. Through in-depth interviews with 12 participants, combined with an assessment of their adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and a visual analysis of their home food environment, a restructuring of culinary and dietary routines is evidenced. The results reveal a functional simplification aimed at avoiding the effort of cooking for oneself, the abandonment of “social foods” due to a lack of companionship, and a moderate-to-low dietary adherence (6.75/14). The analysis indicates that even when the home food environment is health-promoting, the lack of commensality and culinary apathy disrupt dietary habits. In conclusion, eating in solitude threatens the sustainability of the Mediterranean diet pattern, highlighting the need for public health interventions focused on mitigating social isolation.