Food insecurity and physical functioning limitations among older U.S. adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Food insecurity has more than doubled among U.S. older adults since 2001.
• This issue is more prevalent in frail older adults, posing a significant public health concern due to the aging population.
• Physical functioning and adequate food intake are critical for the well-being of older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between different domains of physical limitations and food security status in U.S. older adults.
• To identify specific physical activities that are strongly correlated with food insecurity.
• To inform public health interventions aimed at improving food security for aging populations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2012) for participants aged 60 and older (n=5969).
• Defined physical limitations based on difficulty with 19 activities, categorized into 5 domains and an index score.
• Employed multinomial and logistic regression models to analyze the relationship between physical limitations and food security status.

Main Results:

• Older adults reporting 4 or more physical limitations were more likely to experience very low food security (aOR: 2.62).
• Key correlates of food insecurity included limitations in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (aOR: 1.49), Leisure and Social Activities (aOR: 1.56), and General Physical Activities (aOR: 1.50).
• A significant association was found between multiple domains of physical limitations and increased odds of food insecurity.

Conclusions:

• Physical functioning is a crucial determinant of food security among older adults.
• Interventions should integrate assessments of physical functioning to identify at-risk individuals.
• Resources supporting food acquisition, preparation, and intake are essential for older adults with physical limitations.