Functional limitations, depression, and cash assistance are associated with food insecurity among older urban adults in Mexico city

Purpose. To examine factors associated with food insecurity among urban older adults (65 years and older). Methods. Three hundred and fifty two older adults attending community centers in a neighborhood of Mexico City were surveyed for food insecurity, functional impairments, health and mental health status, cash- transfer assistance, socio- demographic characteristics, social isolation, and the built food environment. Results. Having at least primary education and receiving cash- transfers were signififcantly associated with a lower probability of being moderately- severely food insecure (OR=0.478 and 0.597, respectively). The probability of moderate- severe food insecurity was signififcantly higher among elderly at risk of depression (OR=2.843), those with at least one activity of daily living impaired (OR=2.177) and those with at least one instrumental activity of daily living impaired (OR=1.785). Conclusions. Higher educational attainment and cash- transfers may have a positive influence on reducing food insecurity. Depression and functional limitations may increase the likelihood of food insecurity among older adults.