Food Insecurity Associated with the Quality of Life of Older People

Background The percentage of older adults in Mexico has considerably increased owing to the declining birth rate and increasing life expectancy. The leading cause of death in people aged > 60 years in Mexico is deprivation-related conditions, including pneumonia, energy-protein malnutrition, and anemia, with an increasing prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases, mental illnesses, and abuse. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the association between quality of life (QoL) and food insecurity among older adults who reside in Guanajuato and have some degree of marginalization. Methods This cross-sectional study included 2,031 people aged > 60 years as participants. Food insecurity, sociodemographic conditions, housing, functional status, health, nutrition, and QoL were all assessed. Measures of central tendency and dispersion were used for the statistical analysis of quantitative data, frequency tables and percentages for categorical variables. As well as the chi-square χ ² test to identify differences between low and high Qol. Cramér's V was applied when the variable was polytomous, and when significant differences were found, it was categorized as dichotomous to identify OR risk and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI), Multiple regression test were used to assess the strength of the association between the studied variables, and those that were statistically significant were analyzed with logistic regression test. P-values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Food insecurity in older adults living in highly marginalized areas of Guanajuato, Mexico, characterized by insufficient income, low educational level, and precarious housing, was statistically associated with a negative impact on QoL. The factors positively associated with the quality of life of older adults were physical and financial independence. Conclusions Individuals with insufficient food and nutrient intake, specifically older adults, had less energy available for daily activities. Therefore, the lower the physical movement, the lower the appetite, leading to a greater loss of muscle mass and strength, frailty, physical and cognitive deterioration, risk of falls, and risk of disease and death.