Raising awareness about undernutrition in later life is key to tackling the problem. Unfortunately, too many of us still believe that losing weight is normal in later life and too often unintentional weight loss goes unnoticed until it has a big effect on a person’s health, wellbeing and independence.
Malnutrition is everyone’s business. We all have a responsibility to know the signs that someone might be at risk and to start nutritional conversations. Simply asking a neighbour, friend, older relative or patient what they’ve eaten today or what they’re having for the next meal, might indicate that they are at risk.
If you work with older people and want to know what you can do in your area or workplace to tackle malnutrition, take a look at our guidance for professionals.
Whether you are a health and care professional, voluntary organisation, community group, faith group, carer, or member of the public, there are lots of ways that you can help us raise awareness about malnutrition in later life. Check out the different ways to get involved below.
Why not have a think about how you could use our self-screening packs and resources to help identify those who might be at risk in your community?
Contact us to share what you’re doing.
UK Malnutrition Awareness Week
The Malnutrition Task Force and BAPEN run UK Malnutrition Awareness Week (#UKMAW) every year.
Details for #UKMAW23 will be announced soon - check back later for details...
To find out how to get involved, click here.
Nutrition and Hydration Week
Nutrition and Hydration Week takes place annually to highlight, promote and celebrate improvements in the provision of nutrition and hydration locally, nationally and globally.
There are plenty of ways for you to get involved, with the highlight of every Nutrition and Hydration Week being the Global Tea Party. For more information, please visit the Nutrition and Hydration Week website.
Carers Week
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, which highlights the challenges carers face and recognises the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support. Learn more at the Carers Week website.
Swallowing Awareness Day
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists run swallowing Awareness Day annually. The Day highlights how dysphagia affects people’s lives, and how speech and language therapists transform the experiences of those living with the condition. You can learn more here.
Dietitians Week
Dietitians Week is the BDA's annual celebration of dietitians, dietetics and those that work to support them. It takes place every June.