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Food insecurity in community-dwelling older Australians

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2007

Susan Quine  and
Stephen Morrell
Susan Quine*
Affiliation:
School of Public Health, Building A27, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
Stephen Morrell
Affiliation:
School of Public Health, Building A27, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
*
*Corresponding author: Email sueq@health.usyd.edu.au
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Abstract

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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.

Design

Cross-sectional population survey.

Setting and subjects

Respondents (n = 8881) 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.

Keywords

Food insecurityOlder peoplePovertyAustralia
Type
Research Article
Information
Public Health Nutrition , Volume 9 , Issue 2 , April 2006 , pp. 219 - 224
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2006

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