Exploring Household Food Security and Malnutrition Risk with Psychosocial Indicators of Healthy Ageing in Place: The Food Train - Eat Well Age Well Partnership Project

Abstract

In Scotland, and United Kingdom, there are stark inequalities in the experience of older age, particularly for those with limited social contact, poorer health, located in deprived neighbourhoods (Centre for Ageing Better 2015). This mixed-methodology research, reports survey findings with n=169 community dwelling older adults in Scotland (average age 79.5), supported with qualitative interviews to evidence the underexplored connection between food insecurity and physiological risk indicators of undernutrition (malnutrition), with psychosocial indicators of healthy ageing. Findings are grounded in collaboration with a third sector social enterprise – Food Train, who provide food shopping and volunteer meal making for those aged 65+. Findings revealed correlations between food insecurity and early indicators of malnutrition risk with poorer wellbeing, and social connectedness. Supported food access mitigates the negative cycle of food insecurity on mental health, via empowerment (locus of control) over one’s life. Qualitative findings suggest that risks of food insecurity may not be financial (food poverty), or attributable to health realities associated with ageing. Rather, psychosocial health and wellbeing diverge as older adults attempt to draw upon available resources, reflective of their own social capital. Mitigators of malnutrition risk includes empowerment through social care located in the third sector, as well as social aspects of food access e.g. social eating, warranting future investigation. These findings are considered post Covid-19, with key policy implications.

Navigating Infodemics, Unlocking Social Capital and Maintaining Food Security during the COVID-19 First Wave in the UK: Older Adults’ Experiences

“…Many of these targeted initiatives ended in late July 2020 meaning those who wished to continue to shield during the ‘second wave’ in the autumn of 2020 may have had challenges in accessing food [ 11 ]. Charities and social enterprises such as The Food Train have stepped up to offer food delivery and meal making services for older adults, often making the most difference within communities of older age adults, where government support was slow or inadequate to identify and respond to existing and newly exposed social care needs, including food security [ 13 ].…”

“…Elliott et al [ 19 ], reported a moderate association between the perceptions of neighbourhood cohesion and mental wellbeing within a cohort of older adults. This also extends to issues of Food Security where an understanding of the ‘material conditions’ an older adults faces, such as financial resources, quality of family and social connections and the realities of ageing (increased illness and disability) can significantly impact on perceived food security in the home [ 13 ].…”