Seeking Solutions To Loss Of Appetite In Seniors
Discover causes and solutions to loss of appetite in seniors. As people become older, their eating habits and appetites change. When our loved ones get older, though, their lack of interest in food and water might be alarming. It’s tough to make sure your elderly loved one is getting enough nutrients until you figure out what’s causing their loss of appetite.
Common Causes of Loss of Appetite in Seniors
Loss of appetite is frequent in seniors whose age range from 65 and up, but why is that? Here are some of the most common medically acknowledged causes of loss of appetite in seniors.
Changes in Taste buds and olfactory senses
It’s possible that your loved one’s perceptions of taste and scent have dulled with age, so food that used to appeal to them no longer does. Age reduces the number of taste buds and shrinks the remaining taste buds, according to the US National Library of Medicine. This is especially true for persons over the age of 60. Food can be less attractive due to decreased saliva production and a dry mouth, hence causing reduced appetite in seniors.
Reduced Activity and metabolic rate
Loss of appetite in seniors increased drastically if seniors are engaged in less activity as they age. Seniors’ metabolisms slow down as they become older, and their activity hours decrease. Seniors’ bodies require less calories when they become more inactive. This is a normal part of the aging process.
Discover: Calorie Requirements for Seniors
Medical problems
Certain medical disorders can cause loss of appetite in seniors. Cancer, thyroid issues, gastrointestinal abnormalities, and dental difficulties, for example, might cause lack of appetite in the elderly.
Medication side effects
Some drugs cause a decrease of appetite as a negative effect. It’s critical to figure out what medications your loved one is on and how they may be affected.
The Best Way to Ensure Your Loved One Gets the Vitamins and Minerals They Need
You have options if you’re concerned that your parents or loved ones aren’t eating enough.
- Establish a meal routine — A meal schedule might assist the body in adjusting to steady food consumption. By educating the body to respond when it needs food, regularity can actually foster a healthy appetite.
- Make nutrient-dense meals – Many people feel that giving elders more food will help them get the vitamins and minerals they require. Smaller servings of nutrient-dense foods, on the other hand, will have a higher impact.
Also Discover: Five (5) Smart Foods For A Healthy Brain
- Prepare meals that account for drug side effects – Once you know what medications your loved one is taking and what the side effects are, plan meals that account for the negative affects, such as appetite loss. If your loved one complains that water tastes bitter, try infusing it with fruits or vegetables. If the food doesn’t taste right, try adding some protein or dairy.
- Eat with others – Eating alone might reduce senior’s appetite. Similarly, not having enough energy to prepare or go grocery shopping can be a hindrance. The loneliness that so often leads to a lack of interest in food can be avoided by eating and preparing meals together.
Solution To Loss of Appetite In Seniors – Care At Heart Can Help
We recognize that keeping track of your parent’s or loved one’s food habits and recovering from loss of appetite in seniors on a regular basis can be tough. Other obligations, such as children or employment, may limit the amount of time you may spend with your loved one. From the comfort of your loved one’s home, our Care At Heart staff provides high-quality care. We provide personalized home care services such as meal preparation, feeding, and errand running. Call now to make an appointment.