Food Insecurity, Loneliness, and Social Support among Older Adults

Food insecurity affects approximately 8% of older adults in the U.S. and may be connected to social isolation. This study aimed to understand how loneliness and social support associated with food insecurity among older adults in Tampa Bay, Florida. We conducted surveys among 236 older adults in three healthcare clinics. Surveys included demographic questions, the Six-Item Short Form U.S. Household Food Security Survey, the de Jong Gierveld 11-item Loneliness scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Unadjusted logistic regression indicated that loneliness (p < 0.001, OR = 0.738) and lack of social support (p = 0.001, OR = 1.754) were significantly associated with higher odds of being food insecure. In the adjusted logistic regression model, loneliness (p = 0.005, OR = 1.356) and being divorced (p = 0.008, OR = 0.208) significantly predicted increased odds of food insecurity. As expected, food insecurity also associated with participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (p = 0.003, OR = 4.765). These results show food insecurity involves many underlying determinants including psychosocial factors.