Food Insecurity among Older Adults: A Social Ecological Approach

Extreme forms of hunger are not common in the U.S.; however, food insecurity is a problem that affects the health of many individuals and populations. In 2010, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that 14.6 percent of U.S. households were food insecure at some point during the year. Across disciplines, food insecurity has been examined among multiple targeted populations. Studies suggest that predictors of food security status may include gender, age, weight-related disability, obesity, smoking status, stability of housing, utilization of acute care, and access to care. There is limited research on food insecurity among older adults. As the demographics in the U.S. shift, it is important to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship of food insecurity and health among the growing population of older adults. The purpose of this study is to examine the individual and contextual factors that contribute to food insecurity among older adults. Using data from the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this study will explore factors that are associated with food insecurity from a sample that included 2,045 adults aged 60 and older using the social ecological model as a theoretical framework. The implications for health promotion include consideration of the impact of factors at multiple spheres of influence that are associated with food insecurity. These findings can influence targeted interventions at intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community, and policy levels to decrease food insecurity among older adults in the US.