Seniors surviving on ‘tinned soup’

The rising cost of fresh produce is seeing many older people, who live in their own homes, surviving on tinned soup, microwave meals, cereal of cheese on toast, according to Trish Noakes.

As the chief executive of Just Better Care Australia, an in home aged care support provider, Ms Noakes says living alone can be a “huge demotivator” for older people to plan their meals and purchase fresh ingredients.

“With more than 30% of people over 60 years of age living alone in Australia, this has become a significant issue for community carers,” she says.

Ms Noakes encourages community care providers to encourage and support older people to improve their diets and nutrition, in an effort to promote better health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

“With diabetes hitting epidemic numbers, we need to take nutrition for the elderly seriously. We have found the more isolated someone is, either from their family or community, the more likely they are to have a limited or poor diet.”

While she believes governments need to “step up” to create preventative health measures, communities should also consider building networks of companions for older people looking to share meals or communal dining.

“Australia’s population is ageing. This is a challenge that affects all of us. By improving nutrition for older people, we can help ensure the best possible life at this stage.”