Food insecurity has become a growing concern in America with 15.8 million households affected in 2015. Factors such as poverty, unemployment, and limited access to grocery stores all contribute to the growing issue of food insecurity, a state in which a family has limited access to affordable and healthy food and suffers from prolonged hunger. Seniors are among the millions of Americans affected by this problem. According to Feeding America’s Senior Hunger Fact Sheet, 5.7 million Americans over the age of sixty (9 percent of the senior population) were food insecure in 2014. Seniors suffering from food insecurity have an increased chance of developing chronic health issues such as depression, heart attack, asthma, and congestive heart failure.
If your loved one suffers from food insecurity, take time to understand the causes and risk factors, and consider the many ways that a senior living community can address those concerns.
What Causes Food Insecurity?
Food insecurity and poverty go hand-in-hand. Unlike hunger, a temporary state of physical pain, food insecurity refers to the wide-spread lack of accessible and affordable food. This systemic issue affects many impoverished cities in America, some of which have become food deserts that have limited or no access to fresh food, fruits, and vegetables.
Seniors face additional hurdles when protecting themselves from food insecurity. Living on a fixed income, impoverished seniors may have to choose between food and unforeseen expenses such as unanticipated home maintenance or medical procedures.
Even among those seniors who have the financial means to pay for food, limited access to transportation and disabilities/health problems that interfere with mobility can make it difficult to get out and buy groceries. Similarly, those with health concerns may have trouble preparing their own well-balanced meals even if friends or loved ones do their shopping for them.
Senior Malnutrition and Food Insecurity
When we age, our immune systems weaken, exposing us to a variety of health problems. Combined with food insecurity, seniors with pre-existing conditions may be at risk for malnutrition. Seniors with malnutrition may experience (among other things) muscle weakness, which places them at a greater risk for fall-related injuries.
How to Help a Food Insecure Loved One
You can help your loved one overcome food insecurity in a variety of ways beyond financial support.
1. Sign Up for a Federal Food Assistance Program: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-formerly Food Stamp Program) is a federal assistance program that has helped millions of seniors. Though programs such as SNAP do not eliminate hunger, it can reduce its effects and prevent food insecurity. There may also be state programs available in your area.
2. Seek Help from Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP):Beneficiaries of the SFMNP program receive coupons they can use to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community gardens.
3. Consider Transitioning to an Assisted Living Community: Food insecure loved ones can find complete care and rehabilitation at a senior living community. In addition to their new home, residents enjoy planned meal programs that are included in the monthly expenses. On-site nutritionists and chefs will even work with prescribed dietary restrictions to come up with well-balanced options that meet the needs of your loved one. The caregivers at a senior living community can even assist with feeding and escorting your loved one to the dining area if they have mobility concerns.
No Stomach Left Behind
As the elderly population in The United States increases, so will the number of food insecure seniors. For those with financial restrictions, programs such as SNAP and SFMNP are valuable resources. If you think the more complete approach of a senior living community presents the safest options, then don’t hesitate to start the conversation about a potential transition with your loved one today.