If you are aging or if your loved one is aging, you may start to notice that you begin to eat less as the years go by. You might pick at the food during mealtimes, and even choose to skip meals altogether. This decrease in appetite is common as people become older, but there are times when this habit can result in serious issues. So why do older people lose their appetite? What can family members do to help?
The first key to preventing older adults from becoming weak or sick as a result of poor nutrition is to monitor the intake of food. If family members are not able to be there, you need to arrange for in-home care. Read on to learn more about the loss of appetite in older adults and how to prevent it!
Why Older People Eat Less
It’s common and natural for older people to experience a loss of appetite. This can happen for various reasons, including the following:
- Health conditions or diseases that make eating more difficult
- Dry mouth, resulting in a decreased sense of taste
- Loss of a spouse
- Inadequate funds for healthy foods
- Depression
- Loss of motor skills needed to prepare meals
- Memory impairment
- Medication side effects
Any of these reasons, together with aging weight loss, can result in malnutrition. Caregivers who look after older people at home should watch out for signs that older people are not eating enough. If you are an older adult, you have to track your nutrition to see if you are getting enough food.
How to Help Improve the Appetite of Older Adults
No matter what has caused the decrease in appetite, you have to take action to make sure that the bad habits don’t continue. Weight loss can take place at a significant rate if there is no intervention, which can lead to health problems. If caregivers have any concerns, do talk to a health care professional about it. They will have helpful tips for getting your nutrition back on track.
Make sure that you or your caregivers are doing the following:
- Preparing healthy meals 3 to 5 times a day
- Making fruit smoothies or other nutritional drinks
- Eating small snacks throughout the day
- Having plenty of water to drink
Keeping older adults involved in preparing meals can encourage them to eat more food during meal times, especially if their tastes and preferences are being considered. Caregivers can take note of what kind of food the older adult prefers and cook that more regularly. Ensuring older ones have a good diet will allow them to live longer and ensure their well-being.
Experience Independent Living at Morada Deer Park
Morada Deer Park is the ideal retirement community for people who want to have a carefree and fulfilling time. We offer many amenities and services to provide you with ease and convenience. Join us to live an active and engaged lifestyle. Our dedicated team is here to ensure your needs are met. Please contact our independent living community today!
