Relationship between housing instability and food insecurity of the low-income elderly population in the United States

Housing instability and food insecurity, which are associated with low-income and poor healthcare, have many adverse consequences for U.S. households. Housing instability is discussed in the context of housing cost burden, unaffordability of housing, and/or difficulties paying rent. Food insecurity refers to a household-level economic and social condition and limited or uncertain access to adequate food. Considering food and housing are basic requirements for human survival according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, more attention should be given to low-income elderly populations whose numbers are growing rapidly and who face many challenges when accessing these basic requirements. This study examines the relationship between housing instability and food insecurity of the U.S. low-income aging population. Secondary data analysis with the American Housing Survey (AHS) of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (FoodAPS) of U.S. Department of Agriculture will be employed in this study. Descriptive statistics will be used to define low-income elderly households’ housing instability and food insecurity profiles in the U.S. Also, inferential statistics will be employed in revealing the relationship among housing instability and food insecurity variables. The study findings will be beneficial to policy makers and non-profit organizations who are to assess and enhance their existing programs or make new programs in order to reduce the risk of homelessness and hunger among this vulnerable group.