Malnutrition and Food Insecurity in Older Adults

Abstract

In the next two decades, the population aged 65 and older will increase from 1.7 million to 2.7 million in North Carolina. Food-insecure older adults are more likely to have an increase in negative health outcomes, be frequent utilizers of health care, and have more high-cost health care needs.

Opportunities and Barriers to Healthy Aging in North Carolina

“…Nutritious food is vital for prevention or management of chronic diseases and maintenance of muscle mass, and thus healthy aging. Older adults who are food insecure are more likely than their food-secure counterparts to have limitations on activities of daily living, have conditions like diabetes and depression, and experience heart attacks [21]. Audrey Edmisten of the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services provides a deeper dive into North Carolina's food insecurity, malnutrition, and the impact on health and physical well-being in her article in this issue [21].…”

“…Older adults who are food insecure are more likely than their food-secure counterparts to have limitations on activities of daily living, have conditions like diabetes and depression, and experience heart attacks [21]. Audrey Edmisten of the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services provides a deeper dive into North Carolina's food insecurity, malnutrition, and the impact on health and physical well-being in her article in this issue [21]. While rates of food insecurity are high, participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) among eligible older adults is low, despite the program's benefits.…”