Q25. Why are older people likely to get food poisoning?

A25. Older people such as the elderly are more likely to develop food poisoning for several reasons.

One of these is that they tend to leave food until it has gone past its ‘use by’date –often for reasons of thrift but do not always realise that it is unwise to do so.

Another reason is that many older people have a long term condition which can weaken their immune system and so leave them open to the risk of a infection such as food poisoning.

Elderly people may be taking medication such as steroids or antibiotics which may lower their immunity to illness and disease.

Find out more in our elderly and food poisoning section.

FAQS Index : Food Poisoning FAQ

Food Poisoning FAQs

1. What causes food poisoning?
2. Who is more likely to get food poisoning?
3. Is food poisoning worse for some people than others?
4. Can the symptoms of food poisoning be mistaken for another illness?
5. Who has a higher risk of food poisoning?
6. What are the symptoms of food poisoning?
7. Which foods are most likely to cause food poisoning?
8. What is e coli?
9. What is salmonella?
10. What is campylobacter?
11. What is listeria?
12. What is norovirus?
13. What is staphylococcus?
14. Which parasites cause food poisoning?
15. Which wild mushrooms cause food poisoning?

16. Should you contact your GP if you have food poisoning?
17. How do you treat food poisoning?
18. Are there any complications with food poisoning?
19. I have developed food poisoning after eating a takeaway: should I report this?
20. Can you prevent food poisoning?
21. What is cross contamination?
22. What is ‘food irradiation?’
23. Why is listeria dangerous for pregnant women?
24. What are the risks of food poisoning in children?
25. Why are older people likely to get food poisoning?
26. How is food poisoning diagnosed?
27. What is dehydration?
28. What is food safety?
29. How common is food poisoning?
30. What is the outlook for food poisoning?