Nutrition and Ageing: Why It Matters in Clarence Valley

Rachael Gould
2 days ago
2 min read

Clarence Valley has a thriving and growing ageing population. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census (2016–2021), 35.5% of our local community is aged over 60, compared with 29.1%

across New South Wales.

As we age, maintaining good health becomes increasingly important and nutrition plays a vital role in ageing well and living better.

How Ageing Can Affect Nutrition

Ageing brings natural changes that can impact eating habits and nutritional intake. These may include:

Reduced appetite
Changes in taste and smell
Dental or swallowing difficulties
Digestive changes that affect nutrient absorption

Together, these factors increase the risk of malnutrition, making it harder for older adults to meet their body’s nutritional needs.

Malnutrition Isn’t Always Obvious

Malnutrition doesn’t always look like weight loss. Many people who appear healthy may still be missing essential nutrients—this is often called hidden malnutrition. Without adequate nutrition, the body may struggle to function at its best, even when weight seems “normal”.

Why Nutrition Is Essential as We Age

Good nutrition supports almost every aspect of health and wellbeing. It helps to:

Strengthen the immune system
Support wound healing and recovery
Maintain muscle strength and reduce frailty
Lower the risk of falls
Support brain health and concentration
Maintain independence and quality of life

Unfortunately, malnutrition often goes unnoticed. When left untreated, it can contribute to declines in physical health, mental wellbeing, and everyday function.

Supporting nutrition in older adults isn’t just about food—it’s about staying active, independent, and connected to the community.

Are You at Risk of Malnutrition?

Subtle changes can be easy to miss. You may be at risk if you’ve noticed any of the following:

A reduced appetite
Unintentional weight loss or looser clothing
Foods not tasting as enjoyable as they used to
Feeling more tired, weak, or socially withdrawn
Loose dentures or jewellery
Difficulty shopping, cooking, or feeding yourself

If even one of these applies to you or a loved one, it’s worth taking action.

How We Can Help

Our accredited dietitian Rachael can assess your nutritional status and provide personalised advice to support healthy ageing. Nutrition support can make a meaningful difference at any stage of life.

You don’t need to wait until symptoms become serious—early support leads to better outcomes.

👉 Speak with your GP or contact our clinic to book a dietitian appointment today.

Or simply book online https://book.nookal.com/bookings/book/5f95160A-B5F5-A0DE-eeDc-F4fcE9c63AC3/select