Exploring Food Security, Functional Limitations, and Quality of Life Among Adults 60 Years and Older in New York City: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Background and Purpose Food insecurity and activity limitations impact the overall health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of older adults. This cross‐sectional study investigates the relationship between food security and functional limitation on the QOL life among older adults in New York City. Methodology A total of 378 participants aged 60 years and older were assessed using the USDA 6‐Item Household Food Security Survey, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale was used to assess overall functional status and activity limitation and the CDC’s HRQOL‐4 questionnaires. Results Results indicated that 19.1% of the participants were food insecure, 56.9% reported fully active, and 33.9% reported very good or excellent overall health. Participants who experienced food insecurity were more likely to rate their overall health as poor or fair ( p = 0.031) and report 12 or more days that their physical or mental health kept them from doing their usual activities ( p = 0.001) compared to those who were food secure. Similarly, older adults with more functional limitations or disabilities were strongly associated with poorer HRQOL ( p < 0.001) in all domains of the HRQOL‐4. Conclusion These results show the impact of food insecurity and functional limitations and HRQOL in older adults. The results emphasize the urgent need for addressing food insecurity and promote healthy aging among older adults in New York City.