Food insecurity in older adults with subsistence jobs and its relationship with isolation conditions due to COVID-19, eating habits, and emotional symptoms, Medellin, Colombia, 2021.

Introduction: Food insecurity among older adults with subsistence jobs has been little explored in the context of the pandemic.

Objectives: To identify the conditions of isolation due to COVID-19, eating habits, and emotional symptoms associated with food insecurity among older adults with subsistence jobs in Medellín, Colombia, 2021.

Methods: Cross-sectional study with primary sources of information from 208 workers. The design and execution of the fieldwork were carried out in collaboration with the workers and their leaders. Results are presented for the nutritional component of workers aged ≥ 60 years who participated in the macro-project from which this product is derived.

Results: 68.7% were between 60 and 69 years old, and 73.0% were heads of household. Women reported lower incomes, 53.0% were without a partner, and 58.6% did not have permission to work. Men had higher consumption of cigarettes and alcohol. 97.0% isolated themselves in quarantine, 83.1% received some type of support during the pandemic, and 62.2% continued to receive it. 56% were overweight or obese, and 32.7% had severe family dysfunction. 50% saw their lives affected, and 96.6% saw their work affected by mandatory isolation. 38.0% experienced moderate/severe food insecurity, which was higher (p < 0.05) among those who did not have a partner, consumed one or two meals a day, and experienced family dysfunction. Family dysfunction and consuming one or two meals a day contributed to explaining food insecurity.

Conclusions: The mandatory isolation imposed on older adults with subsistence jobs had an impact on their lives and health, increasing their socio-environmental and labor vulnerability.