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"OLDER PEOPLE DYING OF MALNUTRITION " - this was the headline in a recent Sunday newspaper. The article said that the number of older people dying of malnutrition had increased from 40 in 1995 to 99 in 2004. Of those 99, 38 were aged between 60 and 74 and 41 were aged over 75 - the rest were presumably in a younger age group. The article went on to say that the deaths were due to lack of money and that people were actually having to choose between heating and eating.

Research

But it is not as simple as that. Queen Margaret University College - in partnership with the Dementia Services Centre and Age Concern Scotland - are undertaking research into the nutritional status of older people. This has focussed particularly on the frailest - those who would previously have been admitted into a residential home, but are now being cared for in the community.

However, some of their findings relate to all older people - especially those living alone. We all know that eating with others, having a good quality meal cooked by someone else, eating food that looks appetising and smelling food that is being cooked can all influence our appetite and make meals more enjoyable. Poor physical health can also affect your ability to shop as well as your appetite.

Depression

Depression, after bereavement perhaps, can cause loss of appetite. In the case of some men who have lost their wives and have no experience of cooking, this situation can be even worse. But even women - who still make up the majority of this older age group and by and large know what a healthy meal consists of - can find it difficult to summon the energy to cook for one.

Shopping for one isn't easy either. You can end up eating salad for every meal or three quarters of a loaf of bread is fed to the birds. I remember some years ago, in a butcher's shop, an old lady was charged a nominal price for a very nice pork chop. She said "At that price, I'll take two, please!" Needless to say the second chop was considerably dearer.

There are some answers to the problem of shopping and cooking for one, that are relatively easy to put into practise:

• Never shop or cook for just one meal. Cook at least double the quantity and freeze one portion. Casseroles, meat balls, shepherd's pie all freeze well.
• Agree with two or three friends to take urns cooking a meal for all of you once a week, and stipulate a budget. The stimulus of thinking of recipes as well as the social aspects will help to ensure an enjoyable meal - particularly for the guests!
• There are many lunch clubs around providing nutritious meals at a modest price. Try and find one locally.
• There are shops that supply good frozen ready meals. But try to avoid high fat, high salt dishes.
• When shopping try and go with a friend. If you have to purchase more than you need of something, you could share and split the cost.
• When eating alone eat at a table and have something to distract you - a radio programme, a crossword or perhaps a book.
• Remember to eat your five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, drink at least half a pint of milk and plenty of water.

You may have your own ways of ensuring that you eat a good diet. Whatever they are remember that if you want to stay fit and well for as long as possible good nutrition and moderate exercise - both mental and physical - are of vital importance.

Betty Cohen, PhD BSc (Nutrition) BSc (Biochemistry) BSc (health and Social Welfare) and Diploma in Dietetics