Malnutrition is a hidden yet serious issue that occurs when essential nutrients are missing from the diet. It can sneak up on people, especially when challenges around shopping and meal prep make it harder to maintain a balanced diet.
Shopping Challenges
For many, the difficulties begin with the shopping process—getting to the store, navigating the aisles, and managing age-unfriendly packaging can be daunting. Sticking to the same meals over and over again can lead to nutritional deficiencies that go unnoticed for a long time.
Meal Preparation Difficulties
Many people face challenges when it comes to preparing meals. Tasks like cutting ingredients, standing for long periods, carrying heavy items, pouring liquids, and safely using the oven can all become difficult with age.
Grocery Delivery Options
Since the pandemic, more people have used supermarket delivery services, and major supermarkets continue to prioritise older customers and those who find it hard to get to the store. Local businesses may also have services to help.
Volunteer Shopping Cards
If you’d like to ask a friend or neighbour to shop, several grocery stores offer volunteer shopping cards. You can purchase the card online and email it to the person doing the shopping. Use the links below to buy cards from popular stores:
Amazon also offers two convenient food delivery services:
- Amazon Fresh delivers fresh, pantry, and frozen foods in several cities.
- Amazon Pantry delivers dried goods, tinned foods, and snacks across the UK.
Meal Delivery Services
A growing number of meal delivery services cater specifically to older adults, offering nutritious meals that are easy to prepare.
- Oakhouse Foods provides a wide range of frozen meals that can be cooked in the oven or microwave. If requested, their DBS-checked drivers will unpack the food and place it in the freezer for you. They also offer grocery items like milk, bread, and eggs. You can place orders online or with the driver, and deliveries aim to be made by the same person at the same time each week.
See Oakhouse Foods delivery areas
- Wiltshire Farm Foods offers another great option, with a postcode search tool on their website to check if they deliver to your area.
Check Wiltshire Farm Foods
- Parsley Box offers meals that can be stored in your cupboard for up to six months. These meals don’t require freezing or refrigeration, making them a handy option for those with limited fridge or freezer space.
Explore Parsley Box
Kitchen Design and Equipment
Making small changes to your kitchen can make a big difference in making meal prep easier and safer. Lowering counters, installing easy-access cabinets, and adding simple gadgets like kettle tippers or specialised can openers can help you maintain your independence.