Recent AARP (2015) and the USDA (2011) reports reveal increasing rates of “food insecurity” (lack of access and nutrition) among older adults in the U.S. In many urban minority communities, the existence of “food deserts” (lack of food infrastructure), increases the risks across the lifespan. Survey research (N=423) and asset-mapping in a documented “food desert in New York City, were used not only to see the challenges facing older adults in a predominantly African-American and Caribbean community (67.5%), but also to explore important differences in behavior, attitudes, and resources among older and younger residents (62.5% vs 37.5%, respectively). Preliminary findings suggest that while older adults are more likely to live alone (46% vs 31%), with higher rates of poverty (less than $15,000/year) (40% vs. 34%), we see slightly higher rates of younger residents with larger households having “difficulty” paying rent and utilities each month (28% vs 25%) and buying preferred “healthier foods” (34.5% vs. 23%). While many older residents live somewhat closer to food stores, difficulty in walking (45%), using stairs (36%), and carrying bags (32%), make it harder to reach them. Other data on the extent of social isolation suggest that food insecurity is not just a matter of access to food, but access to social networks as well. This is part of a larger effort by the Aging in New York Fund, the State Society on Aging, and local service providers to identify unique issues of food insecurity across New York City.
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