The future of the local corner store is vital to the health of Europe’s elderly population, according to the European Nutrition for Health Alliance (ENHA).

The alliance fears the disappearance of the local store will backfire on older people who are likely to find it difficult to get the supermarket and carry their heavy bags home. As a result, says ENHA chairman professor Jean-Pierre Baeyens, the problem of malnutrition in the elderly may be compounded.

The ENHA is calling on governments across Europe to take urgent action in the fight against malnutrition.