Understanding food-related hardships among older Americans: Evidence from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics

Using data from the Panel Study on Income Dynamics (PSID), this small grant conducted three studies designed to increase understanding of food-related hardships among older Americans. Study 1 found that persons who had a work limitation or were food insecure in midlife (ages 40-54) had significantly increased odds (OR: 2.20, p<.05 and OR: 4.23, p<.01, respectively) of living in a food insecure household at age 60 to 69, holding all else constant. Those who worked more during midlife had significantly reduced odds (OR: 0.26, p<.01) of living in a food insecure household in their 60s. Study 2 found that older adults who were currently living in a food secure household had higher odds of healthy aging at age 60 to 69. Having higher midlife income or more time employed in midlife was associated with increased odds of healthy aging, while having a work limitation or a limiting health condition in midlife was associated with lower odds of healthy aging.  Study 3 used an instrumental variable approach to examine the probability of living in a food insecure household among households as their family units receive Social Security at retirement age. Study 3 found limited causal evidence that receipt of Social Security at retirement age is associated with an increased probability of living in a food secure household among the full population. These findings were robust to changes of the dependent variable or the endogenous variable but were sensitive to some of the expansions or contractions of the sample.

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