NUTRITIONISTS at Bournemouth University have joined forces with a care company in a bid to reduce the numbers of elderly people who eat alone.

They hope to tackle ‘isol-eating’ and therefore prevent malnutrition among the country’s ageing population.

Professor Jane Murphy is working with national company Home Instead Senior Care to develop training and education sessions for care-givers and their families.

Recent research revealed 19 per cent of over 75s go for three months or more without a dining companion. A third blame this on living alone. A quarter of over 75s said they don’t need as much food as they used to, a third regularly skip meals and one in ten skip meals on a daily basis.

Registered nutritionist and dietitian, Professor Murphy said: “It’s a myth to assume that losing weight and becoming frail are an inevitable or natural part of the ageing process. Around one in 10 older people in the UK are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.

“Malnutrition is largely preventable and treatable, and yet this growing problem for our ageing population is often overshadowed by the health concerns of obesity. It’s important to look out for the signs of unexpected weight loss, for instance clothes or jewellery might feel looser.”

The care home provider has launched the Stay Nourished campaign and managing director Martin Jones said: “Eating alone can have a massive impact on the amount of food people are eating and more needs to be done to help families and those who care for the elderly.”