ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Nutr.
Sec. Nutrition and Sustainable Diets
Determinants of Fish Consumption Among Older Adults in the UK
Provisionally accepted
- 1Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- 2Accord UK Ltd, Barnstaple, United Kingdom
- 3University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen, United Kingdom
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Background: Eating fish regularly can lower the risks of heart disease, brain disorders, and overall mortality, especially in older adults. Even with these benefits, older people tend to eat less fish than younger people, and the reasons behind these eating habits are not well understood. Aim: This study investigated the determinants of fish consumption among older adults in the UK. It focused on what they see as helpful or limiting factors and their beliefs about health. Methods: The study used a qualitative approach with two focus group discussions involving 12 participants aged 60 and older, recruited from a local religious organisation in Wolverhampton, UK. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews based on available literature and expert advice. The transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis to find key themes. Rigour was maintained through reflection, the use of different moderators, and repeated coding. Results: Participants explained that their fish consumption is influenced by cultural traditions, religious beliefs, family habits, and personal tastes. Helpful factors included taste, health beliefs, and convenience. Barriers included cost, difficulty in preparation, and availability. Many participants acknowledged the physical and mental health benefits of eating fish, but they also expressed concerns about quality, authenticity, and misconceptions regarding frozen fish. These results show how dietary choices are affected by a mix of personal, social, and environmental factors. Conclusion: Although older adults acknowledge the nutritional and health benefits of fish, practical barriers such as affordability, accessibility, and preparation challenges continue to limit intake. Addressing these barriers and promoting lifelong positive habits may support improved consumption and healthier ageing.
Keywords: fish consumption, older adults, dietary behaviour, Barriers and enablers, qualitative research
Received: 01 Oct 2025; Accepted: 18 Nov 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Ekpenyong, Ogunleye and Bakre. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Mandu Stephen Ekpenyong, m.ekpenyong@mmu.ac.uk
Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.