One in ten older people are estimated to be at risk of malnutrition. The majority are living at home, in the community. It is therefore important to be aware of, and to lookout for, signs of malnutrition. The most common signs are a loss of appetite and unplanned weight loss.
If you are worried that you, or someone you care for, may be at risk you can use BAPEN’s simple ‘self-screening’ tool to help you assess the risk. The tool also provides advice on what you should do next, depending on the risk level.
If you are at risk of malnutrition or feel you have gone off your food and have lost some weight recently, download the NHSGGC Eating to Feel Better leaflet. It contains easy ideas to help you to start to improve your food and drink intake, including:
- Advice on easier eating patterns
- How to add extra nourishment to small meals and snacks
- Nourishing drinks recipes and details of ready-made nourishing drinks you can buy.
You can also find further information on malnutrition and advice about improving your food intake at NHS Inform, including links to the British Dietetic Association’s malnutrition Food Facts leaflet.
If your eating and drinking problems do not improve or you have any additional concerns, please contact your GP or other health care professional.