The Hidden Risks of Getting Older: Why Hygiene and Food Safety Matter More Than Ever

As we age, or if we’re pregnant or living with a chronic illness, our bodies become more vulnerable to infections. That includes foodborne illnesses, which can have serious, even life-threatening consequences for older people.

A small number of bacteria that might not affect a healthy young person can cause severe illness in someone over 60. Gastrointestinal infections involving vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, reactive arthritis, other complications, and even death.

So how can we protect ourselves and our loved ones?

Why Everyday Tasks Get Riskier with Age

As we get older, we may lose some of the senses and abilities we once took for granted – such as eyesight, smell, or hearing. These changes can make it harder to spot food safety risks.

Here are just a few things that can go wrong:

• 🧾 Can’t read food labels – Use-by dates may be missed, increasing the risk of Listeria (which has a high fatality rate in over-60s).
• 🔥 Not following cooking instructions – Food may be undercooked and unsafe.
• 👃 Can’t smell or see signs of spoilage – Spoiled food may be eaten unknowingly.
• 🍳 Can’t tell if food is cooked properly – Especially risky with meat and poultry.
• 🧼 Poor washing-up – Because of poor eyesight, dishes and utensils may be left dirty, attracting flies and allowing bacteria to grow on left-on food, ready to contaminate the next meal.
• 🚪 Fridge door left open – If the alarm isn’t heard, food may spoil as temperatures rise.
• 🍽️ Leaving food out – Not feeling very hungry, then returning to food left at room temperature.
• ❄️ Storing food incorrectly – Items that should be refrigerated may be left out.

How You Can Help

If you’re supporting an older loved one, here are some simple ways to make their kitchen safer:

• ✅ Check food dates when you visit.
• 🏷️ Use large, clear stickers to label when food should be eaten.
• 📋 Create a fridge list showing what’s inside and when to eat it.
• 👓 Keep extra pairs of glasses in key places—like near the fridge, sink or cooker.
• 🌡️ Check fridge temperature – Use a thermometer if one isn’t built in.
• 🧼 Make sure there are clean tea towels and hand towels, and that soap is available at the sink for proper handwashing. 

Final Thought

Getting older doesn’t mean giving up independence—but it does mean we need to be more mindful of the risks. With a few small changes, we can help older adults stay safe, healthy, and confident in their own kitchens.

Click on the video below to see how you could make “ready meals” with confidence for an elderly loved one.