Food insecurity in community-dwelling older Australians.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the extent of food insecurity (defined as running out of food in the last 12 months and being unable to afford to buy more) amongst older Australians, and the characteristics of those who experience this condition.


METHODS
Cross-sectional population survey.


METHODS
Respondents (n = 8,881) were community-dwelling older people (65 years and older) living independently in New South Wales, Australia, randomly sampled to participate in a computer-assisted telephone interview conducted during 1999-2000. The response rate was 71%. Responses to a food insecurity questionnaire item were collected along with sociodemographic information, living arrangements, lifestyle and self-rated health. Univariate analyses and logistic regression modelling of factors for reporting food insecurity were conducted.


RESULTS
Approximately one in 50 older people reported experiencing food insecurity in the previous 12 months attributable to inadequate finances. The analyses revealed that those at risk can be identified as more likely to report poorer health, limited financial resources, not owning their own home and living alone. Gender and age differences were also evident.


CONCLUSIONS
While only a minority of older Australians reported experiencing food insecurity attributable to inadequate finances, such people are at higher risk of malnutrition and associated morbidity. Food insecurity is an important public health and equity issue in older people that can be addressed through implementing appropriate income and social support policies.
School of Public Health, Building A27, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia. sueq@health.usyd.edu.au
Susan
S
Quine
Stephen
S
Morrell
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005523:Food Supply / Q000191:economics; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009517:New South Wales; D011203:Poverty; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012946:Social Welfare