While the U.S. economy adds jobs and the financial
markets steadily improve, a growing number of seniors are having trouble
keeping food on the table. In 2013, 9.6 million Americans over the age of 60—or
one of every six older men and women—could not reliably buy or access food at
least part of the year, according to a new analysis. Across the country, the
rate of food insecurity among seniors has more than doubled since 2001,
according to the National Council on Aging. And it is projected to climb even
further as the Baby Boom generation gets older. Researchers who study the trend
say the causes of the increase in senior hunger are complicated and overlap and
include the logistical challenges of getting to a grocery store for seniors who
can no longer drive or endure long rides on public transportation due to
illness, disability, or dementia; and medical expenses, which increase steadily
as people age and often use up larger portions of seniors’ incomes, money that
otherwise might be used on groceries.
Source:
CNN Money, 5/26/15, Senior
Hunger
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