Malnutrition remains one of the UK’s most pressing, yet often overlooked, public health challenges. More than three million people across the country are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, and older adults represent a large proportion of those affected. As the cost of living rises and social isolation increases, many older people are quietly struggling to maintain a balanced diet, leading to serious consequences for their health and independence.
UK Malnutrition Awareness Week 2025, led by the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN), shines a light on this silent issue. Running from 17th to 23rd November 2025, the campaign encourages greater understanding, earlier detection, and improved nutritional care across hospitals, care homes, and the community.
Malnutrition occurs when the body doesn’t receive the right balance of nutrients to function properly. While it can include both undernutrition and overnutrition, older adults are particularly vulnerable to undernutrition. This may be due to reduced appetite, difficulty cooking or shopping, chronic illness, dental problems, or loneliness.
It is often a hidden problem, gradual, subtle, and easy to miss. Yet the effects are profound: fatigue, muscle weakness, increased risk of falls, delayed wound healing, and a greater likelihood of hospital admissions. For many older people, poor nutrition can mean the difference between living independently and requiring long-term care. Recognising early signs, such as unexpected weight loss, loose-fitting clothes, or a decline in energy, can help prevent complications.
The Focus of UK Malnutrition Awareness Week 2025
Each day of the campaign highlights a key theme to improve understanding and action:
Monday focuses on malnutrition screening, promoting tools and surveys that help identify those at risk across the UK.
Tuesday explores the challenges and solutions of delivering effective nutritional care, encouraging professionals and carers to share best practice.
Wednesday highlights hospital discharge, emphasising the need for tailored nutritional care plans when people return home.
Thursday, known as Thirsty Thursday, reminds us of the vital link between nutrition and hydration, a topic often overlooked, particularly in older adults who may not feel thirsty or have difficulty drinking.
Friday celebrates the idea that every contact counts, encouraging healthcare professionals across all disciplines to take every opportunity to identify and address malnutrition.
The week concludes with weekend highlights and the celebration of #NutritionSuperheroes: individuals and teams who go above and beyond to deliver compassionate, effective nutritional care.
Why Malnutrition Awareness Matters for the Elderly
For older people, nutrition is not just about food, it’s about dignity, independence, and quality of life. Poor nutrition can lead to a downward spiral of declining health, social withdrawal, and frailty. However, early intervention can make a remarkable difference.
Simple, compassionate steps such as regular meal check-ins, community meal schemes, and encouraging hydration can transform outcomes. Empowering older adults to make small dietary adjustments, for example, incorporating protein-rich snacks or soft, easy-to-eat meals, helps maintain strength and confidence.
Healthcare professionals, carers, and family members all have a role to play in ensuring that nutritional needs are recognised and addressed. This includes conducting routine screenings, providing tailored meal plans, and supporting older adults to eat and drink well at home or in care settings. Together, we can ensure that no older person faces malnutrition alone, because everyone deserves the chance to live well, eat well, and age well.