Senior Spotlight: Over 7 Million Seniors Struggle With Food Insecurity

Living in Silicon Valley and being surrounded by luxury markets and tech jobs alters our perspective – and not always in a good way. Something so simple that we take for granted can be something that someone near us struggles with every day – such as food. Second Harvest Silicon Valley reports that food insecurity impacts 1 in 6 residents in Silicon Valley. The National Council on Aging found that 1 in 11 adults over age 60 faced food insecurity as in 2023. The National Institute of Health states that food insecurity has increased among older adults by 45% in the last two decades. According to AARP, 39 million seniors are already living in poverty or just one life event away from it. Feeding America reports that 9 million older adults will be food insecure by 2050 if we don’t make changes.

In short, hunger is real. 

What is most interesting and tragic is the factors that increase food insecurity in seniors. Here are 7 risk factors you may not know about: 

#1: In Silicon Valley, seniors and children account for 50% of those who are food insecure, as households struggle with rising costs of rent, housing and childcare.

#2: Caring for grandchildren actually increases a seniors’ risk of hunger as it’s difficult to feed a household on a limited income. 

#3: Older adults with disabilities are twice as likely to be food insecure as their non-disabled peers.

#4: Seniors and older adults who rent rather than own homes are 3x more likely to be food insecure. 

#5: Unmarried older adults experience higher rates of food insecurity, with those who are divorced at highest risk followed by those who are widowed. 

#6: Social isolation actually increases senior hunger rates – as those without support may not have help getting to the store, lifting heavy bags and even navigating assistance programs. 

#7: Older adults with multiple chronic conditions face vastly higher rates of food insecurity than those with zero or one health condition. 

As you look around your neighborhood and communities, does this data make you see things differently? Could there be grandparents raising grandchildren or friends with several chronic medical conditions that need your support? Are there local assistance organizations that serve seniors who could use your financial support or offer volunteer opportunities? 

As we continue to embark in this month of thankfulness, may we also realize that being grateful for food is not the same as helping others access it. May we all live and thrive with open hearts and full stomachs! 

Cheers,

Bobbi 

Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999

Broker Associate
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www.bobbidecker.com

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