Learning from "Knocks in Life": Food Insecurity among Low-Income Lone Senior Women

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health Nutrition
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• Previous quantitative research indicated insufficient funds for a basic nutritious diet among lone senior households reliant on public pensions in Nova Scotia.
• Low-income seniors represent a vulnerable population facing unique challenges in maintaining adequate nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively explore the lived experiences of low-income lone senior women in accessing food with limited financial resources.
• To understand barriers and enablers to achieving a nutritionally adequate and personally acceptable diet.
• To examine perceptions of income adequacy, essential expenses, and personal finance management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Phenomenological inquiry approach utilizing in-depth interviews.
• Study involved eight low-income lone senior women residing in an urban area of Nova Scotia.
• Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory provided a framework for analysis.

Main Results:

• Seven key themes emerged: worldview, income adequacy, transportation, health/health problems, community program use, social support (family and friends), and personal food management strategies.
• Worldview was identified as the most influential factor in seniors' personal perception of food security status.
• Participants described various strategies for managing finances and accessing food despite financial limitations.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight the complex interplay of personal, social, and economic factors affecting food security among low-income senior women.
• Policy recommendations are needed to address nutritional health inequities and improve food access for this vulnerable group.
• Understanding seniors' worldviews is crucial for developing effective interventions and support systems.