December 17, 2025 by
There’s something deeply comforting about familiar flavors—the crunch of potato chips, the sweetness of cookies, or the satisfying warmth of a quick microwave meal. For many older adults, those foods have been part of life since childhood. But new research from the University of Michigan reveals something surprising: the very foods that shaped a generation’s memories may also be fueling an addiction.
The Hidden Link Between Older Adults and Processed Foods
According to the study, more than 1 in 5 older women and 1 in 10 older men show signs of addiction to ultra-processed foods, products loaded with added sugars, fats, and flavorings all designed to make them nearly irresistible.
Researchers believe this issue may come down to timing. Generation X and younger baby boomers were the first to grow up surrounded by brightly packaged snacks, frozen dinners, and diet foods designed to keep consumers coming back for more. Many of those items were marketed as “light,” “low-fat,” or “guilt-free” but were actually engineered to activate the brain’s reward centers, much like addictive substances do.
As a result, decades later, many older adults find it harder than ever to stop at “just one bite.”
What Makes Food Addictive?
To measure this, researchers used a modified version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale, a tool that looks for behaviors like strong cravings, withdrawal, or repeated attempts to cut back. The results mirrored what’s seen in substance addictions:
- Cravings: A constant urge for certain foods, even when full.
- Loss of control: Eating more than intended or feeling unable to stop.
- Withdrawal: Irritability or fatigue when cutting back.
- Social impact: Avoiding activities out of fear of overeating.
Instead of alcohol or nicotine, the “substance” is the modern food supply, designed to hit the perfect blend of sugar, fat, and salt that keeps people hooked.
Women Are Especially at Risk
Interestingly, the study found women were twice as likely as men to meet the criteria for addiction to ultra-processed foods.
Why? Experts point to diet culture. Food companies have aggressively marketed “low-fat” cookies, frozen meals, and snack bars to women striving to manage their weight. But those products often replace fat with refined carbs and sugars, creating the same addictive feedback loop.
Over time, that pattern can become hardwired. It’s why someone might feel drawn to a bag of pretzels or “healthy” granola bars in times of stress, loneliness, or sadness, and why cutting back can feel impossible.
The Emotional Connection
The study also revealed strong links between food addiction, mental health, and loneliness.
- Older adults who rated their mental health as fair or poor were up to four times more likely to meet the criteria for food addiction.
- Those who said they often felt isolated were three times more likely to struggle.
For many, these foods fill emotional gaps. They bring a sense of comfort and control, something to look forward to when other aspects of life feel uncertain. But that comfort is temporary and can lead to guilt, weight gain, or worsening health issues.
Breaking the Cycle
If this sounds familiar, compassion is key. Scolding or strict dieting rarely helps. Instead, small, steady steps can make a difference:
- Bring awareness to triggers. Is the urge to snack stronger during stress, boredom, or loneliness?
- Add, don’t just subtract. Replace processed snacks with satisfying real-food options—nuts, fruit, yogurt, or whole grains.
- Prioritize connection. Shared meals, cooking with family, or chatting over tea can satisfy emotional hunger more than chips ever could.
- Seek professional support. Nutritionists and therapists specializing in eating behaviors can help identify patterns and rebuild balance.
Above all, it’s never too late to change the relationship with food, or to rediscover the simple joy of eating for nourishment instead of comfort.
Helping Older Adults Find Balance
For many older adults, especially those living alone, a caregiver can make all the difference. A companion from At Home Independent Living can help with grocery shopping, preparing balanced meals, and creating mealtime routines that feel supportive instead of restrictive while preventing malnutrition.
We believe healthy living begins with understanding, not judgment. Our caregivers bring warmth, encouragement, and support to daily life, empowering older adults who want to feel stronger, more connected, and more in control of their health.
If someone you love could use help maintaining healthy habits and companionship, call (315) 579-HOME (4663). We serve seniors throughout Syracuse, Salina, Clay, and across Central New York, and we’re always here to help.