Older People
As with other age groups older people face particular barriers to accessing healthy food and also suffer specific health problems. For example, some older people have dental problems which mean they cannot eat certain foods and those with arthritic hands often find it difficult to cut up and prepare food, especially in cold kitchens and so prefer to eat processed meals.
Osteoporosis is a major issue for older people and affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men over the age of 50. Malnutrition also affects over 10% of people over the age of sixty five. Many older people have little choice over what they eat as they are provided with all their meals either in residential homes or through ‘Meals on Wheels’ services. Therefore it is important that work is done with these providers to ensure that meals are appetising and meet the nutritional needs of older people.
Other Resources:
Links: