A CHARITY has expanded its support in the hopes of tackling malnutrition in older people across Fife. 

Food Train, a charity leading the charge to tackle malnutrition among older people, is hoping that their new advice line will help more Fife residents to eat and live better. 

They had previously operated a Malnutrition Advice line supporting those aged 65 and over who were concerned they were at risk of becoming malnourished but have since expanded and rebranded this line. 

Now they offer the Eat Well Age Well Line, which is available for ANY older person to phone for advice on their diet and how it can be improved.

Central Fife Times: Jen Grant, Food Train

Jen Grant, a dietitian with Food Train who takes calls on the Eat Well Age Well Line, said: “Prevention is the key to tackling malnutrition among older people, so we are delighted to be able to broaden the support available via this line so that people can seek advice on all kinds of issues before they deepen.

“Eating well is key to ageing well and can help maintain independence for longer and prevent a variety of illnesses.

“The advice line aims to provide first-line dietary advice to older people or those who work with/care for them.

"It is staffed by a registered dietitian who can advise on a number of issues, including struggling to eat or drink enough.”

The broadened support has been announced as part of Malnutrition Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday, November 12th.

Another way that the charity supports people across Fife is through its Connects service, which offers one-to-one meal-making and shopping services to older people - ensuring they can enjoy food and company from the volunteer who delivers it to them.

The charity shared research last month that suggested that significantly more, older Scots are in danger of becoming malnourished than official estimates suggest - almost a fifth compared to one in 10.

There are fears that problems could deepen due to the cost of living crisis.

Food Train has made repeated calls for malnutrition screening to become mandatory for all statutory agencies that have a role in supporting older people.

These are also being highlighted again as part of Malnutrition Awareness Week.

By identifying those at risk sooner, the charity says support can be given to stop people becoming unwell, easing pressures on NHS and social care services.

Anyone wishing to make use of the Eat Well Age Well Line should call 0131 447 8151.