Food Security of the Elderly during COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 ushered in a new era of devastating economic and social conditions and sustainable food chains around the world. One of the most vulnerable groups in this situation was the elderly. This study aims to investigate the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on food security of the elderly living in Isfahan, Iran.

Written informed consent was obtained from 350 old people before entering the study. Data were collected using socioeconomic status and FaCPS-FSSM food security questionnaires; there were eight items which measured food security among the elderly.

41.7% (n=146) of the elderly had complete food security. In addition, 29.4% (n=103), 20% (n=70), and 8.9% (n=31) of participants suffered from food insecurity without hunger, food insecurity with moderate hunger, and food insecurity with severe hunger, respectively. There was a significant association between socioeconomic factors, such as age, education level, family size, the number of children and food security (P<0.001). Meanwhile, variables of gender, ethnicity, the total number of children, and marital status were not significantly associated with food security (P>0.001). In addition, there was a significant association between economic factors such as employment status, homeownership, having health insurance, receiving food aid, being supported by philanthropic organizations, and food security (P<0.001).

Considering the high prevalence of food insecurity among the elderly, special attention should be paid to factors contributing to this issue; they should be translated into improved food security for the elderly by removing risk factors and strengthening protective factors.