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ABSTRACT Rural older people traditionally grew and preserved their own food. Some have speculated that industrial farming and the disappearance of family farms has led to a loss in self-sufficient rural farmers, and to the rise of food deserts. Many rural older adults suffer food insecurity that adversely affects their health, functionality, healthcare costs, and quality of life. Federal programs help to mitigate this situation, but do not reach enough eligible people. | key words: food and nutrition assistance programs, food insecurity, Older Americans Act, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food distribution on Indian reservations, OAA Nutrition Program
Older adults in rural areas need better access to nutritious food, and federal programs are having a hard time keeping up with demand.
Going hungry, eating tea and toast, or eating nothing at all are common occurrences for older adults every day in America. Many elders live on a fixed income, and wonder where their next meal will come from. They make decisions between purchasing food or paying for utilities, insurance, medications, or transportation to the doctor.
Some rural older adults, just like many older adults, are a particularly vulnerable population with unique health, social, and nutrition challenges, including lower income; limitations in mobility and the ability to shop and cook; chronic health conditions influenced by diet and physical activity; increased healthcare and medication costs; limited and-or difficult access to healthcare providers and limited transportation options; and varying caregiver support.
Older women and African Americans or Native Americans are particularly vulnerable. Because many older Native Americans live on reservations in rural America, they may experience challenges similar to those experienced by other rural older adults.
Traditionally, older adults who lived in rural America grew and preserved their own food as part of a rural lifestyle, often due to limited access to other food sources. But these food practices are no longer as prevalent, perhaps due to rural America's changing demographics. Rural America includes an increasing number of older adults who are not self-sufficient, who are low-income, and who often are in poor health. Healthcare and medication costs disproportionately impact low-income individuals. As a result, the physical and functional demands of growing food may be more difficult for these elders. Rural America also is losing population, including younger...