Food insecurity in older adults: much more than food - understanding it before taking action

Food is one of the physiological needs that have an immediate impact on healthy aging. However, the persistent poverty problem in Hong Kong has increasingly made it difficult for low-income older persons to meet their basic needs. This paper examines to what extent poor older persons suffer from food insecurity and how their food insecurity is related to the different types of resources they have. Based on the data collected through a questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews, the study found that about 20% of low-income older persons experienced food insecurity, and male, older seniors, and those in a larger household with lower socio-economic status were particularly vulnerable. Among the resources that older people can utilize, public assistance and social services were found to be more conducive to food security than social capital. The implementation of a food voucher scheme and the facilitation of food distribution and social eating are suggested.

show abstract

Factors Associated With Food Insecurity Among Elderly Receiving Social Grants in Nazigo Sub County, Kayunga District. A Cross-Sectional Study.

Kyarisiima,

Kungu,

Okello

et al.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BackgroundFood security is when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs. The study aims to assess the factors associated with food insecurity among the elderly receiving social grants in Nazigo sub-county, Kayunga district. MethodologyA cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed, involving 120 elderly participants who were beneficiaries of the SAGE program. Data were collected using structured interviews and a pre-tested questionnaire and perceptions of the SAGE program. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including logistic regression analysis, were utilized. ResultsElderly participants relying solely on pensions/SAGE as their primary source of income were found to have higher odds of experiencing food insecurity (OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.35-3.31) compared to those with diversified income sources such as small businesses and small-scale farming. Marital status was also a significant predictor of food insecurity. Those who were widowed or divorced had higher odds of food insecurity (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.12-2.73) compared to those who were married or living with a partner. Female elderly participants had higher odds of experiencing food insecurity (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.10-2.25) compared to their male counterparts. The number of household members was inversely related to food security. Households with more than five members were more likely to experience food insecurity (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.14-2.91) ConclusionGender, marital status, household size, education level, and source of income are all significant factors influencing food security. RecommendationsStrengthening the SAGE Program: There is a need to increase the amount of the SAGE grant and integrate it with other social protection programs. This could enhance its impact on food security and overall well-being.

show abstract

Food insecurity in older adults: much more than food - understanding it before taking action

Cited by 3 publications

References 69 publications

Associations between food insecurity and Sleep Duration, Quality, and Disturbance among older adults from six low‐ and middle‐income countries

Associations between food insecurity and Sleep Duration, Quality, and Disturbance among older adults from six low‐ and middle‐income countries

Food Insecurity Among Low-Income Older Persons in Hong Kong: The Role of Public Assistance, Social Services, and Social Capital

Factors Associated With Food Insecurity Among Elderly Receiving Social Grants in Nazigo Sub County, Kayunga District. A Cross-Sectional Study.

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About