As people get older, it’s common to start to lose interest in food. We just don’t need to eat as much as we used to and often don’t have the desire and energy to cook for ourselves. Loss of appetite is a pretty common occurrence among seniors. While simply not being hungry might not initially seem like much cause for concern, it is something to keep an eye on, since it can result in vitamin and nutrient deficiencies.
The term for this is malnutrition, and if left untreated it can become life threatening. It’s important to note the difference between simply not needing to eat as much and having a serious case of appetite loss. If we understand what causes loss of appetite in seniors, then we can look at taking steps to counter it. Let’s look at the factors that often lie behind a loss of appetite, how it can be countered, and how Bria Communities addresses this common issue.
Factors Causing Loss of Appetite
A variety of factors lies behind appetite loss in seniors. Among them:
Less Physical Activity
If we accept that vigorous exercise can burn up calories, the opposite is also true. Because seniors are often not as physically active as younger people, they require fewer calories. At the same time, as we age our metabolic rates decrease, which means we require fewer calories daily.
Smell and Taste Change
Smell and taste work together when we eat, which creates the overall experience of a meal. Both senses tend to deteriorate as part of the aging process, which makes our food seem more bland. Simply put, what used to be full of flavour just doesn’t taste the same anymore. The eating process can also become less enjoyable when we experience dental problems that make it hard to chew.
Medical Problems
Other medical conditions can cause appetite loss as well. Certain conditions and treatments can result in one’s sense of taste deteriorating faster than normal, and can also cause symptoms like nausea, which make it hard to eat and keep food down.
Other Causes
Anxiety and depression can cause appetite loss and, in some cases, the loss might be a result of the medication used to treat these conditions. It’s important to check with a physician if you notice any unexplained weight loss or changes in behavior.
How to Stimulate the Appetite?
Once we understand the factors behind loss of appetite in seniors, we can look at ways to respond to it and ensure they’re getting the nutrition they need.
Let Them Eat Their Favourite Foods
It’s true with just about everyone – we get excited about eating things we actually like! It’s easier to get someone to eat when we serve them food that they have always enjoyed. These “comfort foods” can often help them feel better both emotionally and physically.
Boost Food Nutrients
Since many seniors can’t consume large portions, it’s important to make sure they are getting meals that are jam packed with nutrients. This means including calorie dense foods (such as avocados or peanut butter) that are packed with nutrition and help ensure they are taking in enough calories, even though they might be eating smaller meals.
Regular Schedules
It is often better for many people to eat smaller portions at regular times during the day than to eat at random times during the day or have fewer large meals. When our bodies become used to eating at set times, our hunger signals react accordingly. We tend to become hungry at meal times and therefore will be more inclined to eat up when food is served.
Avoid Fluids
Drinking while eating tends to deplete appetites, so it’s often better for seniors to drink water or beverages half-an-hour before and after meals than during them. This means they’ll have more room for food when it comes time to sit down for a meal.
Provide Flavourful Foods
Medication can cause loss of appetite and can make food taste bland. Counter this by making food for the elderly full of flavour. Cook with a variety of herbs and spices to keep things interesting. It’s also good idea to add lemon, cucumber, or even vegetables in their drinking water to help stimulate their taste buds before meal times.
Join Others
Seniors tend to eat better when they have social interaction during meals. Those who live alone will love having someone prepare a meal for them at home, or going out to eat with friends and family. Eating at local events, social centres or senior communities can make a major difference.
How Bria Communities Addresses Appetite Loss
At Bria Communities we are aware of the factors that cause appetite loss. We’re always looking to find natural ways to stimulate the appetites of seniors with balanced and flavourful dietician-approved meals. We can assist those who need help to eat, always treating them with dignity. Because our members dine together as part of a community, they experience the benefits of socializing while enjoying a meal together.
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