Malnutrition

Malnutrition is the difference in the amount of food and nutrients the body needs and the amount that it is ingesting.

One is undernourished when one or more vital nutrients are not present in the quantity that is needed for the body to function normally. This in most cases is due to insufficient intake.

Chronic diseases are often associated with nutrient loss, and elderly people usually require fewer calories but continue to require adequate nutritional support. Many elderly people have difficulty preparing meals or may have less access to a variety of nutritious foods, if any at all.

Meals on Wheels do an amazing job of supplying ready prepared meals to those who do not have the means to do so for themselves. They are a non-profit organisation, and accept minimal payment for meals from those who can afford it, otherwise meals are supplied free of charge.