Diet warning for 270k OAPs
Malnutrition fears as many not eating enough
NEARLY a third of Scots pensioners are suffering from malnutrition because they are not eating well enough, it was claimed yesterday.
Experts fear hundreds of thousands of older Scots are at risk of becoming malnourished due to mobility problems and loneliness.
Malnutrition in Scotland is not routinely measured, and therefore the true extent of the problem is unknown.
However, experts believe that up to 30 per cent of older people are at risk – around 270,000 pensioners.
The news comes as a pioneering screening project is launched this week to identify those most at risk.
Scottish Borders Council and NHS Borders are working with the charity Food Train’s Eat Well Age Well project to tackle the problem.
Staff working for care organisations and social landlords will be trained to spot the signs and ask elderly people questions that could make an early intervention possible.
The scheme involves those aged 65 and over who live in their own homes.
The screening checks involve asking an older person four questions, about personal or family concerns, unintentional weight loss, clothes or rings becoming looser and a loss in appetite or interest in eating.
Causes can include medical problems such as dementia or swallowing difficulties, mobility problems that prevent someone from getting to the shops or cooking, bereavement and isolation.
Laura Cairns, Food Train’s Eat Well Age Well project manager, said: ‘We have long said malnutrition among older people is under-recognised and under-reported.
‘Increased screening action and early identification of malnutrition in the Borders will help address that and create an example we hope can be extended across Scotland.
‘By giving health, social care staff and volunteers the knowledge to spot the signs of malnutrition and more generally asking older people some simple yet key questions, we will make a difference.
‘We have real concerns the social isolation brought about for elderly people by Covid-19 means the prevalence of malnutrition is increasing, making the timing of this crucial.’
For those who answer ‘yes’ or ‘don’t know’ to the questions, their risk factors are assessed, and advice is given on the next steps.
The UK research body the National Institute of Health Research is funding an evaluation into the scheme’s impact on the health and wellbeing of the elderly, staff and services.
Councillor Elaine ThorntonNicol, Scottish Borders Council’s spokesman for elderly issues, said: ‘This is vital work that will help improve lives.
‘By identifying those who are at risk of malnutrition sooner, we can better support and signpost people and their families towards proper help.’
A recent report by campaign group the Malnutrition Task Force states that malnutrition can be a ‘hidden problem’ in the UK.
It adds: ‘Some older people are not eating well enough to maintain their health.
‘People can become malnourished if they don’t eat enough for two to three days.’
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We recognise more needs to be done to identify and support those at risk of malnutrition which is why we have funded the Eat Well Age Well project.’
‘Vital work will improve lives’