Scheme launched to address malnutrition in older people

Food should be one of life’s pleasures, but many things can get in the way of this enjoyment. Limited mobility can make cooking difficult, and while installing a disabled bathroom or lowering countertops can overcome some issues, if people lack dexterity, then it can make daily kitchen chores difficult. This has led to concerns for malnutrition in older adults.

As a result a charity in Scotland has made efforts to overcome this rising trend with a scheme called Eat Well, Age Well.  The charity The Food Train offers lots of services including grocery shopping, home deliveries and befriending services. However since a £1.2 million injection from the National Lottery Fund, the charity has been able to extend the number of people they help. 

The charity works closely with their volunteers who can help in lots of different ways but for the Eat Well, Age Well scheme they have combined forces with the London based Malnutrition Task Force. It is estimated that 1 in 10 older adults are affected by malnutrition in Scotland and the charity is looking for a sustainable approach to reducing this. Food Train chief executive, Michelle Carruthers was thrilled by the funding:

The BBC reported Carruthers saying: "Through the Eat Well, Age Well project, we will work towards a sustainable approach to reduce malnutrition among older people living at home and create a long-lasting and engaged network across the country committed to this issue."

Other services the charity offers is matching up ‘Meal Makers’ and ‘Diners’. The makers share an extra portion of their evening meal with a local ‘Diner’. Sometimes this just ensures the older adult gets a hot meal, other times the makers and diners eat together and enjoy conversation and company. With emotional wellbeing as important and the physical, the opportunity of sharing a meal is often welcomed. 

Image Credit: Tookapic