Screening by Food Train has found that 20% of people aged 65 and over in the region are at risk of malnourishment and falling ill.
A fifth of older people in West Lothian are in danger of becoming malnourished, a charity has found.
Screening by Food Train has found that 20% of people aged 65 and over in the region are at risk of malnourishment and falling ill.
The findings have been revealed as the older people’s charity calls on political parties to put food security and dignity for older people at the top of their manifesto priorities for next year’s Scottish Parliament election – alongside measures to tackle loneliness and improve their health and wellbeing.
Food Train has a strong presence across West Lothian through its shopping, befriending and meal-making services.
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In the six months to September, its screening nationally found 22% of older people across Scotland at risk of malnourishment – with the local and national figures significantly higher than official malnutrition estimates of 10%.
Food Train Chief Executive Rosie McLuskie said: “To find that growing numbers of older people are at risk of becoming malnourished is unacceptable. This cannot continue.”
The charity’s says its five calls to action from political parties in the next Scottish Parliament are “bold but achievable”.
They are to ringfence funding 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 and involve older people in food and health policy design.
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The need for continued action to support older people locally was highlighted – along with the impact of the charity’s work in the region – when its Annual General Meeting was held recently at Carmondean Community Centre in Livingston.
Rosie added: “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 hopes to hold discussions with politicians locally and nationally about its calls to action in the months ahead.
To find out about how Food Train could help you or someone you know, email westlothian@thefoodtrain.co.uk or call 01506 413013. To register as a volunteer, go to https://thefoodtrain.co.uk/support-us/volunteering/.
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