Eating matters: a comparative analysis of policies aimed at older adults in Spain and Argentina.

Abstract

Population ageing presents a global challenge, particularly regarding the assurance of adequate nutrition for the elderly, posing a significant concern for nations. Since the onset of the 2008 financial crisis, compounded by subsequent health and energy crises, many countries have grappled with escalating precariousness, necessitating the implementation of policies to alleviate social and food disparities. In this article, we examine how these successive crises have impacted older populations in Spain and Argentina, focusing specifically on food insecurity. We aggregate socio-demographic, nutritional, and health indicators, alongside policies targeting the elderly, and conduct a comparative analysis of trends associated with the ageing process, the demographic profile of this cohort, their needs, and governmental mechanisms for ensuring (or failing to ensure) this right. Our findings indicate that, while the emphasis placed on food security differs between these countries, a common thread is the lack of inadequacy of governmental data to understand the effects of food insecurity on older adults and identify the most vulnerable according to social determinants of health. We advocate for the necessity of conducting intersectional studies to identify instances of food insecurity among the elderly, thereby combating potential ageism stemming from a lack of awareness and tailored policies for this demographic.