Food security encompasses the concepts of usefulness, accessibility, and utility of food, meaning that society always has sufficient and safe quality food available in a socially acceptable manner to allow the pursuit of a vibrant and healthy life (22, 23). However, research on food security for elderly people in South Korea is inadequate. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore food security for elderly people in South Korea, and to establish a predictive model to identify high-risk groups for food insecurity, using 2022 Community Health Survey data.
From this study, it was found that those who were not basic livelihood recipients, lived with family member, and had a diploma above a college graduate are most likely to have a sufficient quantity and variety of food. In contrast, those who were basic livelihood recipients, had depression, and lived alone were most likely to not have a sufficient quantity and variety of food.
A previous study found that a low education level can lead to food insecurity in elderly people (24). However, continuous education can help individuals escape food insecurity, even for those with low academic achievement. Studies have shown that education programs for managing food insecurity have had positive outcomes, even for non-elderly people (25, 26). One study specifically developed an education program that provided food selection and food resource management skills, resulting in a decrease in the risk of food insecurity (25). However, there is currently no education program for elderly individuals experiencing food insecurity in South Korea. Effective education programs for the elderly should be developed following suggestions from previous studies. It was suggested that program delivery methods and socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects should be considered in order to provide effective education.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare in South Korea has made significant efforts to expand basic livelihood security to support those in need. However, it is important to assess whether the support provided is sufficient for recipients to obtain sufficient and varied food for their health. The result of this study shows that basic livelihood recipients were the most affected by food insecurity. Despite receiving government economic benefits, many still face food insecurity. Therefore, the support range should be adjusted periodically, considering social and economic circumstances. Additionally, continuous monitoring is required to ensure a healthy diet.
Another study reported that living alone can result in poor dietary intake, including insufficient food or a lack of variety in the diet (28). In South Korea, the number of elderly people who live alone is continually increasing. Therefore, it is crucial for community health providers to investigate and address food insecurity among the elderly who live alone.
Similar to the results of this study, a previous study found that food insecurity is significantly affected by depression in the elderly(28). Conversely, another study found that food insecurity in the elderly contributed to depression (29). It has also been shown that food insecurity is significantly related to more severe depressive symptoms (30). The results of these studies show that further studies are required to establish a clear causal relationship between food security and depression. Furthermore, supplying nutrient-efficient food and providing nutritional education with a focus on mental health recovery for food-insecure elderly people is essential (16).
It should be noted that the accessibility and sufficiency of grocery stores offering healthy food in the community, as well as the availability of grocery store services and transportation options, are important factors that were not considered in this study. Also, further studies should consider the impact of chronic diseases and immobility on food insecurity in the elderly(26). These factors play a crucial role in ensuring food security in nutritionally vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly(31, 32).
A previous study found that elderly people experiencing food insecurity are more likely to attempt suicide compared to those who have secure access to food (27). As food insecurity poses a serious threat to the lives of elderly people, it is crucial to invest in nutrition programs that improve food security and provide healthy food assistance to those who face high rates of food insecurity (33).
This study has some limitations. First, the study used a single question to assess food security, which, although validated in a previous study, may not be sufficient to confirm food security. Second, since it was a cross-sectional study, it did not account for changes in living circumstances over time. Therefore, longitudinal studies should be conducted to explore changes in food security based on changes in living circumstances. Third, the low number of studies on food security in the elderly makes it difficult to accurately compare the outcomes of the studies. Finally, as the study used secondary data, there may have been insufficient factors considered to fully assess food security in the elderly.