Hunger among Older Americans Spikes Nearly 80 Percent Since 2001

AARP Foundation report finds 1 in 11 Americans 50-plus at risk of hunger

Nearly 9 million Americans 50 and older face the risk of hunger, according to new research commissioned by AARP Foundation. The report, produced by James P. Ziliak of the University of Kentucky and Craig Gundersen of the University found more than nine percent of older Americans were at risk of hunger in 2009—a 79 percent increase since 2001.

The report, “Food Insecurity among Older Adults,” is the first of its kind to examine this issue among people age 50 to 59—the youngest of the baby boomers. Because they are typically too young for Social Security and Medicare and too old to qualify for programs designed for families with children, this age group can be hit particularly hard in bad economic times. In 2009, 4.9 million 50- to 59-year-olds were at risk of hunger, representing a staggering 38 percent increase over 2007.

The report finds that roughly 11 percent of New yorkers age 50-59 face food insecurity.

Download the full report

Download the Policy Brief

New Video Urges Government Not to Cut Solutions That Help Millions of Seniors

Current Programs Offer a Vital Lifeline to Health and Independence for Older Adults in Need
WASHINGTON, July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire

As Congress debates dramatic cuts to senior programs— including Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, food stamps, Home Delivered Meals and congregate meals — a new video by the One Away campaign for elder economic security urges policymakers to protect and strengthen current programs that provide real solutions for older adults who are struggling financially.

More than 13 million older adults live in or on the edge of poverty, often on less than $22,000 each year. In New York, a million older adults are income eligible for nutrition assistance programs. These seniors have to decide every day whether to pay for food, medicine, or a place to live. They live one bad break, one accident, or one layoff away from economic disaster.

The new video is part of One Away, an advocacy campaign that allows vulnerable and disadvantaged seniors tell their stories of struggle in their own words. The latest video highlights programs that are a lifeline for millions of older adults, including food and nutrition programs – Right now, 5 million seniors are hungry in the United States. Yet proposals in Congress would reduce funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps) by $127 billion, and could cut funding for Older Americans Act meals programs, including Meals on Wheels and congregate meals.

In addition to the main video, there are 10 other One Away videos spotlighting older adults across the country who have had to stop taking their medicine, eat less, or live in their car due to financial setbacks. Click on the "Watch Videos" tab to see them all. Visitors also can share their own stories of struggle, send an email to Congress, and discuss solutions to help seniors in need.

A national poll, commissioned by NCOA, indicated that almost two-thirds (63%) of adults aged 18+ said they or an older adult they know is struggling to make ends meet in today's economy. A majority (62%) also knows that one out of three older adults relies on Social Security for over 90% of their income. Find out more at www.oneaway.org/Press.

Hunger Solutions New York has a variety of outreach materials for your use among older adults in your community.

Effort launched to fight senior hunger

October 26, 2010
Albany Times Union article by Paul Nelson

SCHENECTADY -- Only 1 in 10 senior citizens in the region eligible for food stamps take advantage of the assistance, according to advocates who have joined a statewide "Create the Good" effort to combat hunger among the elderly.

Linda Bopp, executive director with the Nutrition Consortium of New York, said Monday outside Schenectady Inner City Ministry's food pantry that older people often do not obtain the financial help because they are unaware they are eligible or they don't think the effort is worth the money they might receive.

Still, others think they are taking something from another person who is more needy.
The average benefit for a person 60 years and older is $100 a month, Bopp said.

Erin Mitchell, associate state director for AARP New York, said, "too many older New Yorkers are forced to choose between buying groceries and their medicine." She stressed that "the food stamp benefit is discreet and easy to use" because of the debit card system that funds are deducted from when purchases are made. By year's end, elderly residents with access to a computer will be able to register for assistance online, said authorities.

more...