Beyond food provision: a qualitative study of older adults’ sustained participation in community meal services

Community meal services can support adequate nutrition among older adults, promote social participation and facilitate ageing in place. However, qualitative evidence on Chinese community-dwelling older adults’ experiences of using these services, the factors shaping their sustained participation and changes in their needs remains limited. This qualitative study used purposive sampling to recruit 16 older adults with experience of using community meal services from four communities across three cities in Guangxi, China. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the study was informed by Andersen’s Behavioural Model. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, supported by NVivo 14.0. Four themes were developed: (1) motivations for participation and life circumstances; (2) resources and the service environment; (3) from basic provision to multidimensional needs; (4) changes in life and needs following participation. Older adults’ participation in community meal services is shaped by multiple factors, including individual needs, family support, service provision and experiences of service use. These services offer benefits beyond nutritional support by promoting social participation and enhancing well-being. Future initiatives should develop community meal services into integrated community-based platforms that support ageing in place and healthy ageing, while responding to older adults’ multidimensional and evolving needs to promote sustained participation.