Which financial stressors are linked to food insecurity among older adults in the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands? An exploratory study

Abstract

Food insecurity among adults age 65 and older is a growing public policy concern in European countries, but the extent of the problem and the related financial stressors are unclear. The purpose of this paper is to measure the percent of food insecure individuals in a targeted sample of financially fragile older adults, and to identify associated financial stressors and socioeconomic characteristics. This exploratory study is based on an online survey of 1,059 older adults experiencing financial hardship. Participants were recruited through commercial consumer panels in the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands. The proportion of financially fragile older adults reporting food insecurity ranged from 24% in the British sample, 29% in the German sample, and 35% in the Dutch sample. We identified financial stressors that contributed to food insecurity in each country sample. Having more financial stressors increased the risk of food insecurity, which was similar in each country. Within and across country samples, food insecurity is associated with financial stressors. Insights for policy makers, consumer advocates, and social services point to the value of integrating financial and food-related support services, the potential for cross-country collaboration, and efforts that take into account the particular financial circumstances of older adults.

Financial Hardship on Food Security in Ageing Populations

“…Food security in this sample was significantly higher among those who were male. This finding is consistent with several other reports that food security was more prevalent in male older persons than females [ 12 – 14 , 27 ]. Traditionally, in Thai family culture, Thai men or fathers were expected to be leaders and providers of the family and were more involved in outdoor chores, whereas Thai women or mothers were expected to provide care and perform most of housework including procuring and preparing meals to promote overall family life and health, even at the expense of their own needs [ 28 ].…”

“…According the findings, income-related financial hardship were associated with food security among Thai older persons. These findings are comparable with studies conducted in other countries [ 14 ]. Financial hardship can push older persons further away from meeting standard living needs like buying food.…”

“…Straining to make ends meet was associated with increased likelihood of an older person to be living in a food-insecure household [ 7 ]. Lobl et al [ 14 ] found an association between having more financial stressors and increased risk of food insecurity in older persons in the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands. It has been also reported that the older persons with material hardship (e.g., debt) in the United States was linked to food insecurity [ 15 ].…”

Multi-Scenario Simulation Analysis of Grain Production and Demand in China during the Peak Population Period

“…With continuing economic growth and increasing aggregate demand for grain, related studies also illustrate that supply-side reforms in grain are significant in developing countries [ 59 , 60 , 61 ]. The paper raises additional possibilities for modeling sustainable grain demand scenarios and production scenarios to ensure food security.…”

Revisiting food security in 2021: an overview of the past year

“…Waarts et al (2021) apply the living income concept to smallholder cocoa and tea farmers in Ghana, Ivory Coast and Kenya, and present an assessment approach to identify which interventions can be effective in improving farmers' livelihoods. Loibl et al (2021) show how financial stressors are increase food insecurity among adults aged 65 years and more in the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands. This study points to the need to integrate financial and foodrelated support services in overall policies.…”