Factors Affecting Food-Related Activity Performance in Low-Income Older Adults

In an effort to reduce food access issues for older adults, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides monthly food assistance specifically for low-income older adults through local food banks. The purpose of this study was to explore factors that influence an older adult’s performance in food-related activities. Older adults eligible to receive a monthly senior food box from community food distribution sites were recruited to complete a survey. The survey included home information, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems (PROMIS®) v1.1 Global Health measure, individualized supplemental food utilization profile (FP), and a kitchen inventory. Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed. From December 2021 until March 2023, n = 200 participants were recruited and n = 36 took the survey for an 18% completion rate with a mean age of 71 years old; 61% were female and 36% were male. Of the participants who took the survey, 64% ( n = 23) acknowledged having at least one chronic disease and 89% ( n = 32) indicated they prepared meals for themselves. The OPMF revealed grocery shopping, cooking, and eating as “extremely important” and directly related to their performance and satisfaction. The FP rate revealed that 61% ( n = 22) of participants always use 100% of their food box by the end of each month. While the participants in this study report having at least one chronic disease, most are functional and independent when it comes to food-related activities, and most report that they have the tools to manage and use their food resources.