Many older people under-nourished

Lack of proper nutrition can increase the risk of infection

The health of 500,000 older people in the UK is under threat because they are under-nourished, a charity has warned.

Age Concern said thousands of people aged over 65 do not eat a proper diet.

The charity said one in five pensioners lives in poverty and many find it hard to afford basics such as food and heating.

It estimates 15% of over-85s are unable to prepare a main meal for themselves, with 38% of these denied regular help or access to hot food.

It is scandalous that, in the 21st century, so many pensioners are facing ill-health because of an inadequate diet. Gordon Lishman

Struggling with a disability also makes cooking a meal a major challenge for many older people, the charity said.

Gordon Lishman, director-general of Age Concern, said: "Almost two million pensioners live in poverty and as a result many don't have enough money to pay for necessities that most of us take for granted.

"It is scandalous that, in the 21st century, so many pensioners are facing ill-health because of an inadequate diet.

"The state pension must be increased so that all older people have enough money to cover basic living costs such as food and heating their homes during the winter."

Infection risk

Brigid McKevith, a nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation, said: "Under-nutrition occurs when there is a deficiency of one or more nutrients.

"People who are under-nourished will not be eating enough and be underweight because their diet will not be providing them with enough energy.

"The effect of this can be that people are more prone to infections and will take longer to recover from illness."

Age Concern also warned that 22,000 older people are likely to die from cold-related illnesses this winter.

It said pensioners in the UK and Ireland are more at risk from illness during the cold weather than older people anywhere else in northern Europe.

Age Concern is helping older people stay warm this winter by providing services including lunch clubs and home visits.

The charity also called on friends and neighbours to keep an eye on elderly people they know by helping with shopping and staying in contact.