May 12, 2016 Client Diversity - Seniors Food Bank of Iowa Conference

Growing Bolder  Statewide initiative to reduce food insecurity in aging Iowans  9 regional meetings held to learn and build on services  Increase collaboration, statewide outcomes

Focus  Senior population and characteristics  Additional challenges with seniors obtaining assistance  Consequences of food insecurity in senior health

U.S. Census Data Total U.S. Population = 323 billion Total population of 60+ years (2010) = 40,230,000 (12%) ( Administration on Aging) Baby Boomer generation ( )  In 2011, the oldest turned 65 years old  Large generation of individuals presenting challenges

State Census Data Iowa:  3 million total population  650,000 are 60+ years old (21%)

Senior Characteristics:  Many older Iowans are finding themselves in a financial pinch.  There are rising costs along with limited income  Growing proportion of older adults are food insecure  Seniors may be living in multi-generational households and caring for grandchildren and their parents

Who are most likely at risk and need assistance?  Older adults between the ages of  Living below 200% the poverty line  A high school dropout  An African-American or Hispanic  Divorced or never married  Grandchild in household  Renters Health Consequences of Senior Hunger in the United States. Ziliack and Gunderson; February 2014

Seniors in Multi-Generational Household  Additional characteristics in Iowa: – 55.6% are female – 42% are still working – 11% are renting

Additional Challenges:  Transportation – rural and urban  Isolated area /decreased availability  Illness, disease conditions affecting independence  Older adults less aware of assistance programs  Less willing to participate in programs – Don’t want to take benefits from others – Feel stigma with assistance programs – Had bad experience with application process – Self-reliance attitude

Health Consequences of Seniors Who are Food Insecure  Lower nutrient intake 10-20% of 10 key nutrients  Twice as likely to be in poor or fair health – Depression – High blood pressure – Congestive heart failure – Gum disease – High cholesterol and coronary heart disease (younger-old) 53% more likely to have a heart attack  More likely to have limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) Being marginally food insecure is equivalent to being 14 years older Health Consequences of Senior Hunger in the United States. Ziliack and Gunderson; February 2014

Senior Food assistance programs  Iowa Food Assistance - Including SNAP and Farmer’s Market vouchers  Congregate and home delivered meals – Available on contribution basis  Area Agencies on Aging – work with food banks, food pantries  Lifelong Links

Linda Gobberdiel, RDN LDN, Nutrition Consultant Growing Bolder