Free nutritional advice for over-65s

A new phone advice line is aiming to help tackle malnutrition among older people.

Food Train’s Eat Well Age Well project team is manning the freephone Malnutrition Advice Line which has a focus on people aged 65 and over.

They’ll be able to provide crucial advice and practical information to older people themselves, or anyone concerned about an older person’s well-being, on how they can stay healthy.

The line’s launch is among measures being taken to support healthy ageing and help people across Scotland better understand the signs of malnutrition among older people so that action can be taken early before problems deepen.

It follows a pilot project where registered dieticians and nutritionists from Eat Well Age Well fielded calls on queries including those surrounding reduced appetite, weight loss and confusion about what to eat in order to stay well.

Food Train is already known across

Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire through its award-winning home shopping service for older people.

Basic pointers are food-first - how to boost calorie and protein intake - while finding out more about individual circumstances so people can be pointed towards agencies and organisations which may be able to help further.

Laura Cairns, from Food Train, explained:“Any over-65s in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire with concerns about their own nutritional health - or a friend, relative or carer worried that someone is not eating and drinking enough or experiencing barriers or challenges around food - should get in-touch.

“Our advice can support older people to live better lives.”

The Malnutrition Advice Line on 0800 13 88 220 is open from 9am until 4pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or alternatively email hello@ eatwellagewell.org.uk at any time.

For more details, go to www. eatwellagewell.org.uk