11th Oct 2010 - 00:00
Abstract
One in 10 older people in the UK are at risk from malnutrition according to a new report launched today by the National Association of Care Catering (NACC).
Timed to coincide with the start of National Community Meals Week (October 11-15), the report says that the number of older people suffering from malnutrition is set to rise even further.
Figures show that by 2033 an estimated 23% of the UK population will be aged over 65 and a further 3.2 million aged over 80,
The report says such statistics highlight the need to address how older people are supported into older age now before the problem gets even worse.
In order to tackle the issues raised in the report the NACC has announced the launch of a Nutrition Standard that will provide an up to date guideline for those providing community meals services.
NACC chairman Derek Johnson says the organisation is urging the Government to support this to help lower the risk of malnutrition for older people.
The Standard has been agreed between the NACC and the Caroline Walker Trust with the aim of providing a single Nutrition Standard that can be used by all in the sector, helping improve the nutritional content of food.
The current use of two nutritional guidelines has led to problems for Local Authorities in regulating services, causing huge variations in nutritional care throughout the UK.
Adds Johnson: "The Nutrition Standard will ensure consistency in the nutritional content of food provided throughout the care catering sector. The launch of the standard builds on the '10 Key Characteristics for Good Nutritional Care' initiative launched last month.
"It is however still vital that government support this standard and are committed to providing care for the elderly, not only allowing them a real choice in care services, but also saving the NHS money in the years to come."
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