A leaflet that provides advice on how people over the age of 50 can improve their diets was published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) recently.

Research published by the agency also published yesterday suggests that despite awareness of advice on healthy eating in the 50 - 65-year-old demographic is high, there are a number of misconceptions that may prevent people from putting such facts into practice.

Over a quarter of respondents only agreed slightly - or disagreed - with statements such as "I take care to eat the right foods, as I know how important this is as I get older", suggesting the need for more education on the matter.

Head of nutrition at the FSA Rosemary Hignett commented that some people may worry that it is hard to change meal habits, or that healthy food may impinge on their enjoyment of eating.

"But the straightforward, practical advice we offer doesn't demand huge changes in lifestyle and contrary to what many people may believe, it's easy to eat healthily and enjoy your food."

It was recently reported that a Nutrition Action Plan was published by health minister Ivan Lewis to ensure older people's nutritional requirements are met while they are in hospital or care homes.