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Top 5 Ways to Combat Senior Malnutrition
Written by Sarah Stevenson
about the author
4 minute readLast updated April 11, 2023
Malnutrition is a widespread problem among seniors. As people age, their appetites can change, and certain concerns can make it hard for older adults to get the nutrients they need. Sometimes, a dental problem or chronic condition can make eating difficult. Other times, isolation or depression can put eating nutritious meals on the backburner. Learn the warning signs of malnutrition, and consider the following tips if your loved one isn’t getting the nutrients they need.
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What is senior malnutrition?
Senior malnutrition is all too widespread, but caregivers who are alert to the signs of nutrition problems can help battle this sobering condition. Malnutrition is not simply a lack of food. It is the failure to get proper nutrition. It can affect people of all ages and weights, and, sadly, it is a pervasive problem among older adults in the U.S. Almost 50% of seniors are malnourished in some way, according to the National Council on Aging. The consequences of malnourishment are serious, both physically and psychologically. It weakens the immune system, leading to slow healing and increased risk of infection, and it can cause muscle weakness, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Read on to find out more about how senior malnutrition starts, how to recognize the signs, and what you can do to prevent it.
How does malnutrition start?
According to the Mayo Clinic, malnutrition in seniors is usually caused by a combination of issues. Health or dental problems can lead to trouble eating or decreased appetite. Dietary restrictions that have been imposed to manage medical conditions can also make it difficult to get sufficient nutrition. Psychological issues such as isolation and depression contribute to loss of appetite and lack of interest in eating. Lastly, social factors like limited income or inadequate transportation can affect seniors’ access to food.
Read more:Dangers of Dehydration in Seniors
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Monitoring senior nutrition
It can be difficult to detect malnutrition in older people, but caregivers are in a unique position to keep an eye out for the symptoms.
- Watch for physical problems. In particular, bruising, weight loss, and dental difficulties can be important signals.
- Ask seniors about their eating habits. Have their preferences changed?
- Talk to a doctor about your loved ones’ nutritional needs, and any physical or dental problems that might affect their eating.
- Check with a pharmacist. They can warn you of the potential for drug-food interactions, or side effects that affect appetite, digestion, or nutrient absorption.
- Have your visits during mealtime, and not just on special occasions, so you can observe eating habits firsthand.
Read more:Nutrition and Dementia: Foods That May Induce Memory Loss and Increase the Risk of Alzheimer's
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Ways to combat malnutrition in seniors
Caregivers can use the following tips to prevent malnutrition in seniors:
- Encourage a nutritious and appealing diet. Chopped nuts, nut butters, wheat germ, egg whites, and cheese can be added to meals for an extra nutrient boost. Herbs and seasonings can help increase seniors’ enthusiasm for eating, too.
- Plan snacks for extra nutrients between meals.
- Make meals social events by visiting your loved ones at mealtime, or by encouraging them to eat with friends or at senior centers.
- Help seniors get regular exercise to stimulate the appetite and improve health.
- Provide tips and assistance with food savings. Seniors can split the cost of bulk goods with friends or family, and they can seek out restaurants that give senior discounts. If possible, meal delivery services can be a great option, with some offering discounts for seniors.
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