Food Insecurity and Likely Psychological Distress: Isolation of BMI and Income among Women in California (Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition)
Published Date: February 28, 2014

​African Americans in the state live to an average age of 73, seven years shorter than white Californians, according to a report on older African Americans by the California Research Bureau.

The study was commissioned at the request of Assembly member Mariko Yamada, Chair of the Committee on Aging and Longterm Care.   Using California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data from 2011 on mental health, social environment and economic security, the study suggests that social and mental stressors — including racism, discrimination and psychological distress — biologically age African Americans.   And although the poorest white Californians also show shortened lifespans, they still live approximately five years longer than African Americans with the same socioeconomic status.   Economic security also affects stress levels: 12% of older African Americans are food insecure, 39 percent are 200% below the federal poverty level and 17% are on public assistance, according to the study.

 



Publication Authors:
  • Tonya D. Lindsey, PhD
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