Improving Nutrition and Hydration in Greater Manchester

Why should I change my eating and drinking habits?

You may be surprised that as we get older, we may find ourselves losing weight without meaning to – and end up underweight as a result – and it’s not always easy to tell when this might be a problem.

It’s a mistaken belief that a smaller appetite and losing weight is a normal part of ageing but this is not the case and it is always important to maintain a healthy weight.

By making changes you should not only gain weight but should also benefit from better health, better mood and increased energy. People who are a healthy weight also benefit from fewer GP visits, fewer hospital admissions, faster recovery time, and have fewer other health complications. This is important to maintaining good health and independent.

What can I do?

Use our handy booklet ‘Are you eating enough?’ This gives you some simple steps to help add calories to your meals and make meal preparation easier.

It has also got some ‘Top Tips to help stimulate your appetite’ and explains that by adding just a few small snacks each day can soon make a difference.

Your local area where you live will also offer support to help you eat and stay well, keep in touch and feel positive and safe.

Your local Age UK is a good place to start or you can search online for organisations near you that offer:

  • Lunch clubs
  • Support following life-changing events such as a bereavement, a fall or ill-health
  • Shopping support
  • Food banks – have a look at this interactive map to find a food bank or other source of food assistance anywhere in Greater Manchester

To have your meals provided look on the following websites:

Should I seek medical help?

We know that people want to take control of their lives and the advice above is intended to help. It is also important to know when to seek medical help. If you have followed the advice and have seen no change in your weight and/or BMI after 12 weeks or if you answer yes to any of the questions below, you should visit your GP.

  • Have you noticed sudden weight loss (10% of your body weight in 3 months)?
  • Do you have difficulties swallowing food or drinks?
  • Do you get pain in your tummy when you eat?
  • Has there been a recent persistent change in moving your bowels to looser stools and/or increased frequency?

Also, if you have a sore mouth you should visit your dentist.

If you are unsure contact your local Age UK – contact details can be found below: