Is an older person you care about malnourished?

Malnutrition is not a symptom of ageing.

Help prevent your older relative or friend from becoming malnourished by spotting the early warning signs:

Changes in weight/diet

Significant weight loss (over half a stone in the last three to six months)
A recent loss of appetite (not eating properly)
Loose fitting clothes or jewellery
Ill-fitting dentures.

A sign of malnutrition is likely to be weight loss‚ but isn’t always. The diet of an overweight person may also lack the vitamins and minerals they need.

Frequently ill / cold

Recurrent infections
Difficulty recovering from illness
Unable to keep warm

Physical problems

Constipation or diarrhoea
Dizziness (prone to falls)
Pressure sores
Swollen or bleeding gums
Sore mouth or tongue
Difficulties chewing or swallowing
Tooth decay

Dental and mouth problems are more of a cause of malnutrition than a symptom‚ because they can make eating difficult and painful.

Signs in the home

Try and plan your visits around mealtimes to get a sense of what your relative’s or friend’s regular diet is like and if they have any difficulties eating. Even people who get meals-on-wheels may not be eating enough and their diet could still need supplementing.

Further information

For more tips on how to recognise malnutrition in an older person and what to do if you are concerned‚ please download our leaflet from the top right corner of this screen.