Almost a quarter of Stirling pensioners ‘at risk of malnutrition’ over last three years

Almost a quarter of pensioners in Stirling and Clackmannanshire have been at risk of malnutrition over the past three years, according to figures released by the older people’s charity, Food Train. The startling statistics have prompted calls for urgent action from the Scottish Government to tackle this issue affecting the elderly population. Research conducted by Food Train examined food insecurity among the elderly, revealing that 23% of pensioners in Stirling and Clackmannanshire faced the risk of malnutrition in the past three years.

The charity expressed concerns that the actual number of at-risk individuals could be higher than reported. Similar findings were observed in other areas, with figures reaching 28% in Glasgow and Falkirk, and 23% in Dundee. Food Train plans to petition every Member of the Scottish Parliament to introduce mandatory screening for malnutrition in all agencies supporting older people. They also advocate for enshrining the right to food in Scottish law and establishing a dedicated minister for older people.

Rosie McLuskie, the chief executive of Food Train, highlighted the alarming nature of the situation, stating that 16% of older people in Scotland are currently at risk of malnutrition. She emphasised the need for increased efforts to accurately assess the scale of the problem and provide immediate assistance to those who require it. McLuskie stressed the importance of ensuring access to food as a fundamental aspect of public policy to combat malnutrition among the elderly.

Furthermore, a dietitian working with Food Train, Jen Grant, pointed out that malnutrition can both lead to and exacerbate health issues among older individuals, underscoring the critical need to address this issue promptly. Public Health Secretary Jenni Minto acknowledged the disparities in health outcomes across communities in Scotland and affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting older people and addressing poverty through collaborative efforts with partners.

These distressing figures coincide with the unfortunate news of the impending closure of a Stirling foodbank operated by Transition Stirling, further highlighting the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals in accessing essential resources. The closure of the Community Food Project, which has been providing aid since March 2020, underscores the pressing need for sustained efforts to mitigate food insecurity and malnutrition among the elderly in Stirling and beyond.

In conclusion, the concerning prevalence of malnutrition among pensioners in Stirling and Clackmannanshire underscores the urgency of implementing targeted interventions to safeguard the health and well-being of older individuals in our communities. Addressing food insecurity and malnutrition requires coordinated action at various levels, from policy reforms to community support initiatives, to ensure that no elderly person faces the risk of malnutrition or food insecurity in our society.