P719 - FOOD INSECURITY IN ENGLAND AND REGIONAL DIFFERENCES IN OLDER ADULTS

P719

FOOD INSECURITY IN ENGLAND AND REGIONAL DIFFERENCES IN OLDER ADULTS

S. T. Burden^1,2,*, D. J. Jones¹

¹School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, ²Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust, Salford Care Organisation, Salford, United Kingdom

Rationale: Food insecurity is a growing concern among older adults who often rely on fixed pensions that may not keep pace with rising living costs. Despite its association with malnutrition, frailty, and chronic illness, limited research has examined the role of older peoples geographic location in food insecurity. This study examined the relationship between regions in England and food insecurity in older adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional secondary data analysis was conducted using the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. The sample was UK community-based adults aged 65+. The exposure was location (regions, North vs. South), and the primary outcome was food insecurity, assessed using three indicators: “food not lasting and no money for more”; “inability to afford preferred food” and “inability to eat balanced meals”. Participants who were food insecure answered “yes” to at least one of these.

Results: From 4629 participants (mean age 74.5, 53.4% female), 87.7% were food secure and 7.7% reported some degree of food insecurity. Logistic regression adjusted for age and gender found no difference in food insecurity between the North and South (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95%CI 0.88, 1.36). However, regionally, older adults in Yorkshire and Humber had 65% higher odds (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.05, 2.62), and London had 129% higher odds (OR 2.29, 95%CI 1.46, 3.57) compared to those in the East of England. When London was excluded, Yorkshire remained significantly affected (OR 1.65, 95%CI 1.05, 2.61), and the North showed 27% higher odds of insecurity compared to the South (OR 1.27, 95%CI 1.00, 1.60).

Conclusion: Findings highlighted regional disparities in food insecurity among older adults, especially in London and Yorkshire. Excluding London, the North–South divide becomes more apparent, possibly reflecting socioeconomic or demographic variation. This study supports the need for targeted, region-specific policies to reduce food insecurity in older adults.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared