Chronic undernutrition is common among the elderly. It can result in different medical issues and increased reliance on caregivers. To understand how to improve your loved one’s appetite, you should understand the common causes of appetite loss in seniors. Also, you should know how Phoenixville personal care services can help increase your loved one’s appetite. For more information on home care package providers head over to Let’s Get Care.
Why Seniors May Lose Appetite
Seniors may not feel hungry due to different reasons. But sometimes, loss of appetite may indicate a more severe condition. If your senior loved one says they do not have an appetite or are losing weight, they may be suffering from a medical condition. This can happen if seniors are fatigued. Common medical reasons that can lead to appetite loss include chronic liver disease, thyroid disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia, and cancers. If your elderly loved one is losing appetite and experiencing changes in their eating habits, seek medical evaluation for them. Other reasons for appetite loss include the following:
- Depression. This condition impacts a lot of seniors while they age. Also, stress can lead to appetite loss in this age group.
- Lack of physical exercise. Elderly people may have mobility issues and are usually less active than younger people. With age, their energy level and metabolism slow down. As their metabolism slows down, they can lose their appetite.
- Dehydration. A dehydrated senior may not want food. This can occur when the elderly are experiencing a health issue and aren’t consuming sufficient fluids. While dehydration creates thirst, it can cause vital organs like the brain and heart to become dehydrated.
- Difficulty chewing. As the joints and muscles of the mouth decline, seniors can experience issues with eating, chewing, and swallowing. Also, eating for seniors can be hard due to dental issues, medical treatment such as surgery, normal aging, Parkinson’s disease, and medications.
- Inability to prepare their meals. Your senior loved ones may not be able to consume enough food as they cannot prepare their food. Thankfully, a personal care provider can help your senior with meal preparation.
Steps to Help Seniors Increase their Appetite
If a serious health issue is not the reason your loved one experiences a loss of appetite, below are ways to help your aging loved one improve their appetite:
- Encourage them to consume food regularly. You can set times for your loved one to eat meals and snacks. Prepare tasty and nutritious food for them.
- Serve smaller portions. If your loved one is not as hungry as before, consider serving smaller portions. These smaller meals should suit their appetite. Try to serve them meals that have interesting and complex flavors. Also, provide them with a variety of their favorite foods.
- Involve your loved one in the kitchen. Your senior may not be eating enough as they find it too difficult to cook for themselves, involve them in meal preparation. This will provide them with more control over what they eat and make them feel more motivated to consume more food.
- Hire a professional to help you. Is your senior loved one not consuming enough food because of an underlying health issue? If so, consult a nutritionist or doctor. The professional can help you develop a meal plan to help your aging loved one eat more regularly again.
As your senior loved one ages, a lot of things can change in their lives. They can become more forgetful than before, develop health issues, or experience age-related changes that can lead to loss of appetite. Thankfully, there are ways to help them restore their appetite. Learning about the reasons your loved one is losing appetite, looking for tasty, nutritious foods, and working with a nutritionist can make their lives a lot easier.