Food insecurity in later life: a food security framework to support preventative action

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Increasing life expectancy and income inequality raise concerns about aging and nutritional needs.
• Food insecurity negatively impacts health and increases healthcare costs in older populations.
• Older adults face unique challenges, including physical and cognitive health issues, that exacerbate poverty's impact on food security.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence on the impacts of food insecurity in older people.
• To understand the factors contributing to food insecurity in later life.
• To propose a model for public health interventions to support food security in the elderly.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of research on older adults' food practices, contexts, and experiences.
• Analysis of factors contributing to food insecurity in later life.
• Development of a conceptual model for public health efforts.

Main Results:

• Food insecurity is a significant public health issue for the aging population, associated with undernutrition and malnutrition.
• Factors contributing to food insecurity in older adults are complex and can accumulate over time.
• Existing research has primarily focused on food insecurity in children and families, with less attention paid to older adults.

Conclusions:

• Food insecurity among older adults is a critical public health concern requiring targeted interventions.
• A deeper understanding of the specific drivers of food insecurity in later life is needed.
• The proposed model aims to guide public health initiatives to ensure food security for the growing elderly population.