8.3 million (14.85%) seniors in the United States face the threat of hunger, say researchers at the University of Illinois. From 2001 to 2010, the incidence of hunger among seniors has risen by 78%, and by 34% since the onset of the recession in 2007.
Craig Gundersen, University of Illinois associate professor of agricultural and consumer economics and executive director of the National Soybean Research Laboratory, said:
“In 2005, we reported that one in nine seniors faced the threat of hunger. So, unlike the population as a whole, food insecurity among those 60 and older actually increased between 2009 and 2010.”
According to Gundersen, this is a serious problem that will have greater implications for senior health.
He continued:
“Compounding the problem is that food insecurity is also associated with a host of poor health outcomes for seniors such as reduced nutrient intakes and limitations in activities of daily living. Consequently, this recent increase in senior hunger will likely lead to additional nutritional and health challenges for our nation.”
The researchers found that the near poor, whites, women, non-metro residents, widows, the retired, those in households with no grandchildren present, those living in states in the South and Southwest, younger seniors (60-69), those with lower incomes, and those who are racial or ethnic minorities were more likely to experience hunger.
Gundersen explained:
“What may be surprising is that out of those seniors who face the threat of hunger, the majority have incomes above the poverty line and are white.”
Written By Grace Rattue