Who is this page for?
This page is for older people, their families and carers, and health and social care professionals supporting healthy ageing.
Why is nutrition important as we age?
As you get older, your nutritional needs can change. Eating a balanced diet and drinking enough fluids helps maintain muscle strength, bone health, energy levels and your immune system. Good nutrition also supports recovery from illness, helps reduce the risk of falls and enables you to stay independent for longer.
A nutrient rich diet is very important, choosing foods high in protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate and fiber are essential.
Healthy eating resources
For more information in eating well as you age please visit:
- Healthy eating for older adults | nidirect
- Eating, drinking and ageing well - BDA
- Depression and diet - BDA
- Hydration in older adults - BDA
- Sport and exercise and nutrition - BDA
Public Health Dietitian's YouTube channel
Malnutrition
Malnutrition can affect people of any age, but older adults are at greater risk, particularly after illness, during recovery or if eating or drinking become difficult.
Earlier recognition and support can help prevent complications and improve recovery.
What is malnutrition?
What is malnutrition?
Malnutrition is a condition when we do not get enough of the nutrients from our diet in the right amounts. It relates to overweight and underweight. Being underweight can effect anyone, but it is more common for older adults, those living on their own or with an underlying health condition.
Signs someone can be at risk
Recognising the signs of malnutrition
Signs that you may not be taking enough food include having a low weight or have noticed unexplained weight loss. A change to the way your clothes or jewellery fits is a sign that your weight is falling. A recent loss in appetite or low energy levels may also suggest malnutrition.
Malnutrition affects every part of the body. It can give rise to more GP visits, hospital stays, and more complications from illness and higher care needs.
Preventing malnutrition
The easiest and quickest way to identify if you or someone you care for is at risk of malnutrition is to use the Patients Association Nutrition Checklist. This checklist also offers some helpful advice to help eating, drinking and making food.
When to seek advice
When to seek help
If you have further concerns around your food intake or weight or need further advice please speak with your GP.
Nutrition support and further resources
Key resources
- Malnutrition | nidirect
- Your guide to making the most of your food (March 2022)
- Nourishing drink ideas (dysphagia)
- How to use oral nutritional supplements (June 2023)
- Substance misuse: regional guidance (2023)
- Vitamins and mineral supplements - Supplements - BDA
- Vegetarian, vegan and plant-based diet - BDA
- Fluid intake (water and drinks) and hydration - BDA
Palliative and end of life care
Information for professionals
Malnutrition screening tool
The easiest and quickest way to detect malnutrition is to use the British Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN) Malnutrition Universal Screening tool (MUST). This tool is available in a paper form or via an online calculator.
Free MUST training may be accessed via your trust teams or through the BAPEN portal using a HSCNI email address, access here BAPEN e-Learning Portal | BAPEN.
New app
How the Public Health Agency supports healthy nutrition
The PHA works with HSC Trusts and partners across Northern Ireland to promote healthy eating and good nutrition throughout later life by:
- providing evidence-based advice and resources
- supporting healthy ageing programmes
- promoting early identification of malnutrition
- helping people stay healthy and independent for longer