Food insecurity is a major challenge to the well-being of the elderly in Nigeria. This study examined the problem of
food insecurity among the elderly in Akwa Ibom State. 300 elderly persons aged 70 and above were purposely
selected as sample for the study. A structured questionnaire adapted and reviewed from Household Food Insecurity
Access Scale (HFIAS) was used for data collection. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts,
percentages and mean. Findings revealed that majority of the elderly were severely food insecure. Poverty,
functional limitations, social isolation, health problems and lack of help in activities of daily living etc, were
identified as predictors of food insecurity among the elderly in the study. Coping strategies used by the elderly to
manage food insecurity include trade-offs, buying less nutritious foods, informal support, compromising medical
needs etc. Recommendations were made for the elders to adopt better coping strategies; individuals should plan
ahead for old age, while the government should institute social security scheme and other food and nutrition
programmes for the elderly.
Keywords: Food insecurity, elderly, poverty, functional limitations, health care, old age.
PAPER TITLE :FOOD INSECURITY AMONG THE ELDERLY IN AKWA IBOM STATE
FUTA JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN SCIENCE | VOLUME 9 NUMBER 1 2013
Paper Details
- Author(s) : M.O. Ekot
- Abstract:
