Unpacking the Association Between Food Insecurity and Mental Health Disorders Among Older Adults

Abstract

Objectives: Previous research shows a negative correlation between food insecurity and mental health, but limited exploration exists among older adults. This study examines this association in Canadian adults aged 65 and older, focusing on the mediating roles of perceived life stress and community belonging, and the moderating role of gender. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the 2017–2018 Canadian Community Health Survey (n = 28,044) were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: The associations between food insecurity and both anxiety and mood disorders were partially mediated by high life stress and low community belonging. The adverse associations of food insecurity, high life stress, and low community belonging with an anxiety disorder were more pronounced in women than in men. Similar patterns were observed for a mood disorder. Discussion: Interventions should address food insecurity, life stress, and community belonging, with particular attention to the unique challenges faced by older women to improve mental health.