Older people

Good nutrition is important for older people to help promote independence and to minimise illness and premature death.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including adequate nutrition, plays an important role in ensuring older Tasmanians are able to live well at home, for longer.

Many older people are at greater risk of nutrition deficiencies, excesses and imbalances due to changes that occur as we age.  It is especially important at this age to consider the psychological and social importance of mealtimes, as well as the nutritional value.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a major health problem that often goes unrecognised and, therefore, untreated. It is both a cause and consequence of ill-health for many older Tasmanians.

Between five and 11 per cent of older Australians living in the community are undernourished.

Malnutrition is often overlooked, even though it is linked to increased mortality, greater risk of infection, reduced quality of life and increased care costs.  Early recognition and management is vital.

Read more about malnutrition in older people

Eating with Friends

Eating with Friends groups bring older, socially isolated people together for a nutritious meal with friends. There are currently 37 social eating groups across Tasmania that supported by the Eating with Friends network.

Resources for older people

Appetite for Life

Appetite for Life contains information specifically for older people.

Heat health advice for older people

Visit the Tasmanian extreme heat webpage for more information about supporting older people during hot weather.

Choose health: be active 

Physical activity guide for older Australians

Stay on Your Feet

One in three people 65 years and over will fall each year. The good news is that falls can be prevented.

Find more information about falls prevention.

Physical activitiy

Physical Activity Recommendations for Older Australians (65 years and older) provide information on the amount and type of physical activity older people need for health and wellbeing.