Ageing in Anguish: Food Insecurity Dilemmas Confronting Older People

Older people are often confronted by food insecurity dilemmas which compounds their health conditions. Drawing on 20 in-depth interviews with older adults from the Eastern Cape, South Africa, this study aimed at filling the gap in knowledge on food insecurity challenges confronting people aged 60 years and older. The interviews revealed that older people are confronted by various food availability, access, utilisation, and stability challenges. The peripheral nature of rural areas and limited shopping facilities largely explain food availability challenges facing most older adults. Since most poor older adults depend on government safety nets, often limited financial resources are the main cause of food access, utilisation, and stability dilemmas. A multifaceted strategy involving various players is needed to address the food insecurity dilemmas facing older people.