Numbers are rising and combatting the problem must be made a political priority says charity
Increasing numbers of older people in Scotland are in danger of becoming malnourished - sparking calls for greater political action to reduce the risk.
Malnutrition screening by Scottish older people’s charity Food Train found that 22% of the almost 600 over-65s that it assessed between March and September (2025) were at risk - up from 19% in the previous six months.
The data, from testing across the country, has been released as part of Malnutrition Awareness Week (November 17-23).
It has been coupled with a call to action for all Scottish political parties to put food security and dignity for older people at the top of their manifesto priorities - alongside measures to tackle loneliness and improve their health and wellbeing.
Food Train chief executive Rosie McLuskie (pictured) said: “Our charity has been saying for years that official estimates are simply the tip of the iceberg when it comes to malnutrition among older people. Our latest data is further evidence of that.”
The charity’s asks for May’s Scottish Parliament election are backed by its members, who said: “we deserve greater dignity and independence”.
Food Train volunteers and staff help older people to eat well and live well in their own homes and say its five calls to action are “bold but achievable”:
- Ringfence funding for community-based food access for community-based food access for older people.
- Enshrine the right to food for older people into Scots law.
- Launch a national malnutrition prevention and screening programme.
- Invest in volunteers and community-led support.
- Involve older people in food and health policy design.
In the past six years, Food Train has screened 6,518 people for malnutrition - finding an average of 17% are at risk. That’s far higher than the official estimate of 10%.
McLuskie added: “To find that growing numbers of older people across Scotland are at risk of becoming malnourished is unacceptable. This cannot continue.
“Scotland’s older population is growing. So too are the challenges they face amid shrinking public services and increasing isolation.
“By committing to our five calls to action in the next Scottish Parliament, political parties can take significant steps towards making a real difference to the lives of older people - allowing organisations such as ours to step up the work.”
Food Train says that the strain of malnutrition among older people on NHS and social care services - including increased risk of frailty, falls and exacerbating other health conditions - could be reduced by greater investment in prevention.
Analysing the recent spike,Jen Grant, a dietitian with the charity who leads its malnutrition screening work, said: “Reductions in public services and ongoing cost of living pressures are having an impact - along with the fact that our population generally is getting older and frailer.
“When we surveyed our members, 22% told us that they were changing the way that they buy food because of cost. When we screened those people, we found that half of them were at risk of malnutrition.
“Greater preventive and screening measures - such as those provided by Food Train - will help identify those people at risk sooner and allow action to be taken before their health and wellbeing worsens.”
Food Train, founded 30 years ago, works to tackle malnutrition across Scotland by helping just over 3,000 older people live better independent lives notably through its shopping delivery and meal-making services.
Speaking about the impact of the service on her life, Sheena Walker, 72, of Camelon, Falkirk,said: “I’m housebound. I don’t get out unless someone takes me.
“Food Train makes a big difference. It’s not just about shopping. It’s also about social contact. It’s just nice having somebody to talk to. It makes a big difference to me.”
Retired sawmill worker John Sneddon, 81, of Falkirk, said Food Train’s services remove the worry of thinking about how he would otherwise get his shopping.
He added: “It’s excellent. I get a phone call on a Monday to give my shopping list and it’s delivered on a Thursday. I’d struggle without it.”
UK Malnutrition Awareness Week - organised by the British Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition - encourages health and social care workers to recognise that every interaction is an opportunity to spot the signs of malnutrition early and take action.
Food Train’s 2026 Scottish Parliament manifesto asks are available to view in full here.
To find out about how Food Train could help you or someone you know, email [email protected] or call 0800 3047924. To register as a volunteer, go to www.thefoodtrain.co.uk.
