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Heterogeneous factors predict food insecurity among the elderly in developed countries: insights from a multi-national analysis of 48 countries

Author

Listed:
  • Jae Yeon Park

    (McGill University
    McGill University)

  • Arlette Saint Ville

    (McGill University)

  • Timothy Schwinghamer

    (McGill University)

  • Hugo Melgar-Quiñonez

    (McGill University)

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of food insecurity and its association with demographic and socioeconomic factors that characterized elderly survey respondents in 48 developed countries. Cross-sectional data came from the Gallup World Poll for the years 2014 to 2017 based on respondents aged ≥60 years (n = 53,556). Food insecurity was assessed using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, a direct measure of experience-based food insecurity. Descriptive statistics of target populations and the prevalence of food insecurity were produced. Demographic variables included age, gender, marital status, household size, education level, social support, and wellbeing. For socioeconomic variables, income, employment status, urbanicity, and the Community Basics Index were evaluated. A binary logistic regression model was used and the level of statistical significance was set at 5%. Respondents aged 60 to 69 years were the most food insecure. Food insecure individuals were more likely to live alone, not have a partner, and tended to have poorer scores for social support and wellbeing. Also, poor community infrastructure was associated with food insecurity of elderly people, and there were more food insecure elderly people in urban areas. At the multinational level, results indicated wide and statistically significant disparities among continents. The study concluded that not only personal factors but also social conditions could prevent the elderly from achieving full food security status.

Suggested Citation

  • Jae Yeon Park & Arlette Saint Ville & Timothy Schwinghamer & Hugo Melgar-Quiñonez, 2019. "Heterogeneous factors predict food insecurity among the elderly in developed countries: insights from a multi-national analysis of 48 countries," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 11(3), pages 541-552, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ssefpa:v:11:y:2019:i:3:d:10.1007_s12571-019-00934-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s12571-019-00934-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Wilna Oldewage-Theron & Abdulkadir A. Egal, 2021. "Is food insecurity a problem among the elderly in Sharpeville, South Africa?," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 13(1), pages 71-81, February.
    7. Cäzilia Loibl & Alec P. Rhodes & Stephanie Moulton & Donald Haurin & Chrisse Edmunds, 2022. "Food insecurity among older adults in the U.S.: The role of mortgage borrowing," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 44(2), pages 549-574, June.
    8. Moncada, Lorenzo & de la O Campos, Ana Paula & Tornarolli, Leopoldo, 2022. "Food insecurity and poverty – A cross-country analysis using national household survey data," ESA Working Papers 330798, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Agricultural Development Economics Division (ESA).

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