MALNUTRITION is growing among older people in Scotland and official estimates show just “the tip of the iceberg,” a charity has warned while calling on politicians to address the problem.

Food Train found that a staggering 22 per cent of the almost 600 over-65s it assessed between March and September this year were at risk of malnutrition, up from 19 per cent over the previous six months.

Jen Grant, a dietitian with the charity who leads its malnutrition screening work, warned: “Reductions in public services and ongoing cost-of-living pressures are having an impact, along with the fact that our population generally is getting older and frailer.”

Urging politicians of all parties to put older people’s food security and dignity at the top of their manifesto priorities in the run-up to next year’s Scottish Parliament election, Food Train chief executive Rosie McLuskie said: “Our charity has been saying for years that official estimates are simply the tip of the iceberg when it comes to malnutrition among older people.

“Our latest data is further evidence of that. To find that growing numbers of older people across Scotland are at risk of becoming malnourished is unacceptable. This cannot continue.”

The SNP government said: “No-one should have to compromise on food or other essentials and we are committed to supporting older people, tackling poverty and reducing levels of malnutrition.

“The Scottish government will continue to do everything it can to support households with their energy bills and to tackle fuel poverty. However, the powers to make a real difference remain with the UK government and we have urged them to introduce a social tariff which would provide further protection to energy consumers in the greatest need.”