Older adults in Calgary at risk of food insecurity: report

The Calgary Food Bank says older adults, especially those who are still working, are suffering from food insecurity for the first time in their lives. (File)

A new report suggests that many older Calgarians are worried about rising housing, medical, food and utility costs, forcing them to seek supports for the first time in their lives.

The Calgary Food Bank found that 70 per cent of seniors expressed concerns about housing affordability within the next 12 months.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

The agency said rising costs, limited savings and insufficient retirement savings have led to 64 per cent of older adults experiencing food insecurity for the first time.

“While the cost-of-living crisis is having an effect on people from all demographics, those on a fixed income are among the most vulnerable,” said Melissa From, president and CEO of the Calgary Food Bank.

“We are finding that seniors are one of our fastest growing demographics, many prepared to retire in economic circumstances that simply no longer exist.”

The report also found one in six older adults said they live with a health condition or disability, and 48 per cent said their health condition was the main reason for their retirement.

Sixty-one per cent of retirees said they are actively paying down debt.

Among those older adults who are still working, 80 per cent said they can’t afford to retire, with 85 per cent of those saying they don’t have any savings.

The Calgary Food Bank’s data was compiled from 30 interviews and 736 survey responses from older adults.