In Scotland, 103,000 people over the age of 65 are at risk

The risk of malnutrition in old age will be highlighted by charities.

Lack of food among the elderly is a key public health problem – in Scotland, 103,000 people over the age of 65 are at risk.

People who are malnourished are twice as likely to visit their GP, more likely to require hospital admissions and have a greater number of health issues.

That’s why the first ever UK Malnutrition Awareness Week will take place from 1– 7 October, with events organised by Eat Well Age Well, part of Scottish charity Food Train.

This will include a social event in Glasgow for older people, and the official opening of a small grants scheme on Monday, 1 October.

The Small Ideas, Big Impact fund invites groups and individuals to apply for a grant between £50 – 5000 to test their ideas on how to help older people living at home to eat and age well.

Project manager Laura Cairns said: “We will be focusing our energy to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of malnutrition and how it can be prevented.

"Throughout the week we'll be promoting our small grants scheme, visiting key projects, running awareness sessions with staff, and sharing lots of resources and advice so make sure to follow us on social media to keep up to date with all our activities.”

Project dietitian Sally Grubb said: “Public health tends to focus on over-nutrition and obesity which means that malnutrition isn’t as recognised and treated until after it starts to affect someone’s health and quality of life.

“Therefore another important focus of our campaign will be supporting older people to access the right information and advice.”