Old and poor: Comparison of female and male meal program participants

The number of elderly residing in Florida has made it one of the “bellwether” states reflecting the future circumstances and needs of the older population (Naisbitt, 1982). This survey examines low income older men and women whose economic and social circumstances brought them to community based meal programs. A total sample of 1, 083 was surveyed at day-time meal programs for the elderly poor residing in three south Florida communities. The findings of this study demonstrate that the poor elderly self report poor quality of life, high levels of isolation, unhappiness, and despair.