How to Support Older Adults with Winter Nutrition

As the temperature dips and frost settles across South Manchester and North Trafford, many families begin to worry not just about icy roads or chilly homes, but about whether their elderly loved ones are eating properly. The colder months can bring a cascade of challenges, particularly for older adults: reduced appetite, difficulty shopping, higher utility bills, and even loneliness.

At Home Instead South Manchester & North Trafford, we understand that food is more than just fuel; it’s warmth, wellbeing, and a vital part of staying well through winter. That’s why we’re here to share practical, compassionate advice to help older people in our community eat well and feel supported as the seasons change.

Eating well doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Nourishing, hearty meals can be prepared using basic ingredients that are affordable and widely available. Here are a few winter-friendly favourites that are easy to prepare and perfect for colder days:

🥣 Hearty Vegetable Soup

Packed with root vegetables, lentils, and herbs, vegetable soup is warming, easy to digest, and rich in fibre. Add in some barley or small pasta shapes to make it more substantial. This is ideal for batch cooking and freezing in small portions.

🥔 Cottage Pie with Sweet Potato Mash

Using lean minced beef or lentils for a vegetarian version, this comforting dish provides protein and energy. Sweet potatoes add extra vitamins and can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

🐟 Fish Pie

Made with white fish, peas, and a creamy sauce topped with mashed potatoes, fish pie is easy on the stomach and rich in omega-3s, supporting heart and brain health.

🍛 Chickpea & Spinach Curry

For a warming, spicy alternative, this simple dish can be made in one pan, served with rice, and offers plant-based protein and iron.

🧁 Semolina or Rice Pudding

Light, comforting puddings can offer a great way to add calories and protein, especially when made with full-fat milk and enriched with fruit or a spoonful of jam.

Don’t forget to include snacks in between meals to help maintain energy: cheese and crackers, yoghurt, a banana, or fortified drinks are all helpful.

Cooking regularly isn’t always possible especially for those living alone or managing long-term conditions. In South Manchester, there are several local options for getting nutritious meals delivered directly to the door.

🍽️ Meals on Wheels Services

Organisations like ICare Cuisine and Oakhouse Foodsoffer hot meals tailored to older people’s nutritional needs. Options often include puréed meals for those with chewing difficulties and special diets for diabetes or gluten-free requirements.

🧊 Frozen Meal Delivery

Services such as Wiltshire Farm Foods allow you to choose meals in advance and store them in the freezer, offering flexibility and convenience.

These services not only provide nutrition but also regular social interaction with delivery staff something that can make a big difference in reducing loneliness.

Winter can be hard, but there are many organisations working across Manchester to support older adults through the colder months.

🧣 Winterwise Campaign

Led by Independent Age, Winterwise is a collaborative effort to keep older residents warm, safe, and well. Their free printed guide available at local pharmacies, libraries, and community hubs offers advice on eating well, staying active, and keeping homes heated safely.

Copies can be ordered by calling 0800 319 6789.

🛍️ Eat, Drink, Live Well

• Easy, affordable recipes

• Fortified meal ideas

• Snack suggestions for care settings

• Hydration support tools

🍽️ Community Lunches and Hydration Events

The Manchester Local Care Organisation regularly hosts local events in Wythenshawe and Northenden to encourage social eating and raise awareness about malnutrition.

They also distribute the Wythenshawe Cook Book, a resource packed with simple, affordable recipes developed by and for the local community.

• Manchester Cares offers grants, warm items, and friendly visits through their Winter Wellbeing Project. Call 0161 207 0800.

• Care and Repair Manchester can help with emergency heating repairs and home adaptations:careandrepair-manchester.org.uk.

• Registering for the Priority Services Register (PSR) through your energy supplier can ensure extra support during outages or emergencies.

• The Vulnerability Registration Service helps streamline communications with essential services for those who struggle with calls or forms.

Not Online? That’s OK

Winterwise and its partners understand that not everyone is online. Printed guides, large print versions, translated copies (Urdu and Bengali), and British Sign Language resources are all available. You can also use their Talking Tips Guide to start supportive conversations with older relatives or neighbours.