Age UK statement on malnutrition

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director General at Age UK, said:

'It is estimated that 1.3 million people aged over 65 suffer from malnutrition, which most of the time is preventable.

'Malnutrition in many older people, both in the community and in hospitals, is often left undetected. 

'Health professionals and those in social care need to get better at spotting the signs and then making sure that a suitable care plan is put in place to ensure those at risk of malnutrition do not slip through the gaps between services and get consistent treatment and support.

'It is also important that older people, along with their friends, family and health care professionals challenge assumptions around malnutrition and don't ignore the problem.

'For example, people shouldn't assume that losing weight is automatically part of ageing. Equally, if people are struggling to cook meals or start to lose their appetite they should consider whether they need extra support or potentially medical advice.'

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Notes to editors

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over six million people; commercial products and services to well over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we"). Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).