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Session: COVID-19 and Nutrition / Innovations in Telenutrition (Poster Theater Flash Session 10)

(PTFS10-04-23) Impact of COVID-19 on Low-Income Older Adults

Monday, July 24, 2023
4:17 PM – 4:21 PM ET
Location:  Fairfax

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Cheryl A. Gibson, PhD

    Professor
    University of Kansas Medical Center
    Kansas City, Kansas, United States

    Disclosure(s): No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Co-Author(s)

  • RM

    Rebecca R. Mount, MS, RDN

    Study Coordinator
    University of Kansas Medical Center
    Kansas City, Kansas, United States

  • Heather Valentine, MS, RD (she/her/hers)

    Research Administrative Assistant
    University of Kansas Medical Center
    Kansas City, Kansas, United States

Disclosure(s):
Cheryl A. Gibson, PhD: No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Objectives: Older age is a risk factor for becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 but its influence on older adults extends beyond this risk and includes reduced access to care, social and economic hardships, including isolation and food insecurity. We undertook this study to learn about older adult’s experiences before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: We conducted a survey and focus group discussions among older adults who were receiving or eligible to receive SNAP benefits.

Results: Thirty-nine older adults, primarily female (65%), White (62%), mean age 68 years, some college or bachelor’s degree or higher (51%), with many suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes, were included in the sample. Focus group results indicated older adults had considerable challenges when trying to contact the SNAP offices during the pandemic with many offices closed and long wait times when they tried to call. When the pandemic hit, many older adults lost income and about 60% had difficulty getting groceries with many using food pantries or free meals through programs aimed at seniors. Of the sample, 59% were considered low or very low food security over the past 12 months. Although older adults were concerned about their health, many cancelled their healthcare appointments and avoided in-person contact. About a third of respondents indicated they had made a telehealth appointment with about 42% who would consider a telehealth appointment in the future. Many older adults indicated they felt overwhelmed, unhappy, and hopeless during the pandemic which made it difficult to work, take care of things and get along with other people. About 43% indicated they lacked companionship, felt left out and isolated from others while about 20% indicated it has gotten worse since the pandemic.

Conclusions: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionately negative influence on low-income older adults. Older adults experiencing poverty are having difficulty meeting their basic nutritional needs with several barriers to SNAP participation. Many are also suffering from social isolation with negative effects on their physical and mental well-being. There is a need for a wide-range of short-term and long-term policies that states can consider to ease the disproportionate risks facing low-income older adults.

Funding Sources: Missouri Foundation for Health and the Health Forward Foundation