scholarly journals Physical Disability and Older Adults’ Perceived Food and Economic Insecurity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinae L Choi ◽  
Deborah Carr ◽  
Eun Ha Namkung
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Physical Disability ◽  
Job Loss ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Economic Insecurity ◽  
Income Loss ◽  
Medical Bills

Abstract Objectives We examined whether older adults with physical disability were vulnerable to three types of perceived economic insecurity (difficulty paying regular bills, difficulty paying medical bills, income loss) and two types of perceived food insecurity (economic obstacles, logistical obstacles) during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated the extent to which associations are moderated by three personal characteristics (age, sex, race/ethnicity) and two pandemic-specific risk factors (job loss, COVID-19 diagnosis). Methods Data are from a random 25 percent subsample of Health and Retirement Study (HRS) participants who completed a COVID-19 module introduced in June 2020. We estimated logistic regression models to predict each of five self-reported hardships during the pandemic. Results Bivariate analyses showed that persons with three or more functional limitations were more likely to report both types of food insecurity, and difficulty paying regular and medical bills since the start of the pandemic, relative to those with no limitations. After controlling for health conditions, effects were no longer significant for paying medical bills, and attenuated yet remained statistically significant for other outcomes. Patterns did not differ significantly on the basis of the moderator variables. Job loss substantially increased the risk of economic insecurity but not food insecurity. Discussion Older adults with more functional limitations were vulnerable to economic and food insecurity during the pandemic, potentially exacerbating the physical and emotional health threats imposed by COVID-19. Supports for older adults with disability should focus on logistical as well as financial support for ensuring their food security.

scholarly journals Older Americans With Disability Are Vulnerable to Economic and Food Insecurity During COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 203-203
Author(s):  
Shinae Choi ◽  
Eun Ha Namkung ◽  
Deborah Carr
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Income Loss ◽  
Older Americans ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Policies And Procedures ◽  
Medical Bills

Abstract This study investigated whether older Americans with physical disability were vulnerable to three types of economic insecurity (difficulty paying regular bills, difficulty paying medical bills, income loss) and two types of food insecurity (economic obstacles, logistical obstacles) during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated the extent to which associations are moderated by three personal characteristics (age, sex, race/ethnicity) and two pandemic-specific risk factors (job loss, COVID-19 diagnosis). Data were from a random 25 percent subsample of the Health and Retirement Study participants who completed a COVID-19 module administered in 2020. Our analytic sample included 3,166 adults aged 51 and older. We estimated logistic regression models to document the odds of experiencing each hardship. Persons with three or more functional limitations reported significantly higher odds of both types of food insecurity, and difficulty paying regular and medical bills, relative to those with no limitations. After controlling for health conditions, effects were no longer significant for paying medical bills, and attenuated yet remained statistically significant for other outcomes. Patterns did not differ significantly on the basis of the moderator variables. Older adults with more functional limitations are vulnerable to economic and food insecurity during the pandemic, potentially exacerbating the physical and emotional health threats imposed by the pandemic. Our findings reveal an urgent need to promote policies and procedures to protect older adults with disability from economic and food insecurity. Supports for older adults with disability should focus on logistical as well as financial support for ensuring food security.

scholarly journals Financial Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on U.S. Older Adults: Assessing Pandemic-induced Job and Income Loss

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1014-1014
Author(s):  
Walter Dawson ◽  
Nora Mattek ◽  
Sarah Gothard ◽  
Jeffrey Kaye
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Job Loss ◽  
Family Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
Personal Income ◽  
Economic Insecurity ◽  
Income Loss ◽  
Financial Impacts ◽  
The U.S

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the economic security of millions of older adults. Job loss and reductions in personal income were significant in 2020 stemming from pandemic-induced shutdowns that temporarily closed large swaths of the U.S. economy. Yet, the specific financial impacts of the pandemic on older adults, including family care partners, are not well understood. To understand the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on the health and financial well-being of older adults, we gathered data from the Research via Internet of Technology and Experience (RITE) Study, a longitudinal survey panel providing data from thousands of participants of various ages and backgrounds in the U.S. on their use of healthcare and technology (N=1,365). We measured by population strata including age, sex, and education and other characteristics including caregiver status. Adults between 20-40 years of age experienced the highest rate of job loss and reduction in wages (33%) as a result of the pandemic, while adults aged >70 years experienced the lowest rate (12.5%). However, adults aged 50-60 and 60-70 also experienced relatively high levels of job loss at (28.4% and 25.7%, respectively). Behavior changes and disruptions to typical routines to avoid COVID-19 infections may have contributed to job and personal income loss amongst Individuals aged 50-60 and 60-70. However, these findings suggest potentially high levels of economic insecurity amongst individuals who continue to work into late-life. These results may help policymakers understand how to better tailor interventions and policies to mitigate economic insecurity, particularly for populations disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

scholarly journals The Good, the Bad, and the Indifferent: Physical Disability, Social Role Configurations, and Changes in Loneliness Among Married and Unmarried Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 1423-1453
Author(s):  
David F. Warner ◽  
Scott A. Adams ◽  
Raeda K. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Latent Class Analysis ◽  
Physical Disability ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Tobit Regression

Objectives: To examine how social role configurations (SRCs)—combinations of the quality of spousal, family, and friend relationships—moderate the association between functional limitations (FLs) and loneliness among married and unmarried older adults and whether this differs by gender. Method: Longitudinal data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project on married ( n = 945) and unmarried ( n = 443) older adults (aged 57-85 years). Latent class analysis was used to identify SRCs. Tobit regression models examined the associations between FLs, SRCs, and loneliness. Results: Nine SRCs were identified. The effectiveness of SRCs for coping with FLs did not differ by marital status despite higher loneliness among the unmarried. Only for women with FLs did SRCs characterized by negativity/strain exacerbate loneliness. For men with FLs, SRCs characterized by excess positivity/support were problematic. Discussion: These findings underscore the importance of considering how SRCs provide resources for coping with FLs that have gendered implications.

scholarly journals Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Functional Limitations in Older Adults from 2005–2014 NHANES

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 231-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Curtis L. Petersen ◽  
Jessica M. Brooks ◽  
Alexander J. Titus ◽  
Elizabeth Vasquez ◽  
John A. Batsis
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Functional Limitations

scholarly journals Conceptualizing Food Insecurity Among Older Adults: Development of a Summary Indicator in the National Health and Aging Trends Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma L Tucher ◽  
Tamra Keeney ◽  
Alicia J Cohen ◽  
Kali S Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
National Health ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Financial Barriers ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives Measurement of food insecurity in older adults is focused on financial barriers to food access. Given that older adults are particularly susceptible to additional access-related barriers including functional limitations and lack of social support, the objective of this study was to construct a summary indicator of food insecurity incorporating these domains. Methods We used nationally representative survey data from Round 5 of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS; n = 7,070). We constructed a summary indicator of food insecurity using factors within the following three domains: functional, social support, and financial limitations. First, we identified the prevalence of food insecurity among the sample as defined by the new summary indicator. Then, we estimated unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models to assess the association between the expanded measure of food insecurity and biopsychosocial factors. Results In 2015, 4.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.75–4.94) of community-dwelling older adults, approximately 1,673,775 million people, were characterized as having food insecurity. Multivariable-adjusted regression models identified that being homebound (odds ratio [OR] 3.49, 95% CI 2.03, 6.00), frail (OR 9.50, 95% CI 4.92–18.37), and experiencing community disability (OR 5.19, 95% CI 3.90–6.90) was associated with food insecurity. Discussion Food insecurity among older adults is broader than lacking adequate financial resources to obtain food; it is also associated with social and functional limitations. A more comprehensive conceptualization will aid future study on the impact of food insecurity on health status, utilization, and outcomes to inform senior nutrition program targeting and services.

scholarly journals On Employment, Wage and Consumption: Impact of Nationwide Lockdown on Muslim Casual Workers

2021 ◽  
pp. 001946622110238
Author(s):  
Kashif Mansoor ◽  
Faraz Khan
Keyword(s):  
Economic Impact ◽  
Job Loss ◽  
Muslim Women ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Employment Rate ◽  
Income Loss ◽  
Jel Codes ◽  
Informal Workers ◽  
Socio Economic Impact ◽  
Daily Wage

The effects of nationwide lockdown were disproportionate on informal workers. Based on a primary household survey conducted among Muslim casual labour working in Aligarh lock industries, we add to studies on the socio-economic impact of the lockdown. We find 44% reduction in employment rate and fall in daily wage for 60% of workers, in the post-lockdown period. A net job loss of 20% was found. The incidence of violation with the minimum wages is severe in the lock industries, and this has increased tremendously as high as 90% for some workers, in the post-lockdown. Muslim women were affected more than men, in terms of unemployment and wages. With little to no savings, the income loss during the lockdown has led to a rise in indebtedness with one-third of households incurring debt Rs. 5,000–10,000. More than 90% of them were found unable to pay rent and electricity bills. Protecting livelihoods and dignity of workers is a constitutional duty of the state. This has become even more demanding now. JEL Codes: E21, E24, E26

Scaling Our Impact: Emerging Human Factors Applications Addressing Societal Challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 863-867
Author(s):  
Courtney Rogers ◽  
Rupa S. Valdez ◽  
Juan E. Gilbert ◽  
Karen Lange Morales ◽  
Wendy Rogers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Human Factors ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Universal Access ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Societal Challenges ◽  
Human Factors And Ergonomics ◽  
Societal Challenge

There is an increasing need and interest for Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) professionals to apply our discipline to a larger context. HFE researchers are starting to conduct research outside of traditional settings, focusing their efforts on complex societal challenges; however, this type of work is still in its infancy and there is a need to define how HFE can be used in broader contexts, outside of formal institutions. In this panel, we begin a formalized conversation of how our field can scale its impact. Each panelist will introduce a societal challenge they are addressing and discuss how HFE can be adapted to this context. The topics of this panel will span elections technology, sustainability and climate change, universal access to mental healthcare, social isolation in older adults, and food insecurity. This session will conclude with a moderated discussion between the panelists and audience to brainstorm specific societal challenges that HFE can address as well as how methods can be adapted to this context.

scholarly journals Food Insecurity in the United States: Identification, Treatment, and Implications

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 772-773
Author(s):  
Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili ◽  
Connie Bales ◽  
Julie Locher
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Geriatric Syndrome ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Food insecurity is an under-recognized geriatric syndrome that has extensive implications in the overall health and well-being of older adults. Understanding the impact of food insecurity in older adults is a first step in identifying at-risk populations and provides a framework for potential interventions in both hospital and community-based settings. This symposium will provide an overview of current prevalence rates of food insecurity using large population-based datasets. We will present a summary indicator that expands measurement to include the functional and social support limitations (e.g., community disability, social isolation, frailty, and being homebound), which disproportionately impact older adults, and in turn their rate and experience of food insecurity and inadequate food access. We will illustrate using an example of at-risk seniors the association between sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, with rates of food security in the United States. The translational aspect of the symposium will then focus on identification of psychosocial and environmental risk factors including food insecurity in older veterans preparing for surgery within the Veterans Affairs Perioperative Optimization of Senior Health clinic. Gaining insights into the importance of food insecurity will lay the foundation for an intervention for food insecurity in the deep south. Our discussant will provide an overview of the implications of these results from a public health standpoint. By highlighting the importance of food insecurity, such data can potentially become a framework to allow policy makers to expand nutritional programs as a line of defense against hunger in this high-risk population.

scholarly journals Disease-related disability burden: a comparison of seven chronic conditions in middle-aged and older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chieh-Ying Chou ◽  
Ching-Ju Chiu ◽  
Chia-Ming Chang ◽  
Chih-Hsing Wu ◽  
Feng-Hwa Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Disability ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Chronic Condition ◽  
Disease Diagnosis ◽  
Rate Of Change ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Rates Of Change ◽  
Depression Status ◽  
Stage Disease

Abstract Background Although previous studies have explored the effect of chronic conditions on physical disability, little is known about the levels and rates of change in physical disability after a chronic condition diagnosis in middle-aged and older adults in the Asian population. The aim of this study is to ascertain the average levels and rates of change in the development of disability after disease diagnosis, as well as to determine the influences of sociodemographic and health-related correlates in the development of disability. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study analyzing data of nationally representative participants aged 50 and over with a chronic condition or having developed one during follow-ups based on data from the 1996–2011 Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging (TLSA) (n = 5131). Seven chronic conditions were examined. Covariates included age at initial diagnosis, gender, education level, number of comorbidities, and depression status. Physical disability was measured by combining self-reported ADL, IADL, and strength and mobility activities with 17 total possible points, further analyzed with multilevel modeling. Results The results showed that (1) physical disability was highest for stroke, followed by cancer and diabetes at the time of the initial disease diagnosis. (2) The linear rate of change was highest for stroke, followed by lung disease and heart disease, indicating that these diseases led to higher steady increases in physical disability after the disease diagnosis. (3) The quadratic rate of change was highest in diabetes, followed by cancer and hypertension, indicating that these diseases had led to higher increments of physical disability in later stage disease. After controlling for sociodemographic and comorbidity, depression status accounted for 39.9–73.6% and 37.9–100% of the variances in the physical disability intercept and change over time, respectively. Conclusions Despite the fact that a comparison across conditions was not statistically tested, an accelerated increase in physical disabilities was found as chronic conditions progressed. While stroke and cancer lead to disability immediately, conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and hypertension give rise to higher increments of physical disability in later stage disease. Mitigating depressive symptoms may be beneficial in terms of preventing disability development in this population.

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