Appetite in Golden Years – Issues and Tips to Boost
Poor appetite doesn’t necessarily indicate any health problem in seniors. While it is normal to have a lowered appetite with age, Des Moines Senior Home Care experts share four different factors causing loss of appetite in senior years.
- Lack of interest in food due to changing taste buds, depression or loneliness
- Loss of appetite due to health conditions
- Lack of energy to cook
- Medication side effects
The process of aging brings a host of normal emotional, perceptual, physiological, and other changes that can contribute to a loss of appetite in seniors, including,
- Seniors need fewer calories due to a lower metabolic rate and lessened physical activity,
- Gastrointestinal changes and dental problems affect the appetite.
- Changes to the sense of taste and smell affect the enjoyment of meals.
If lack of appetite in your senior loved one seems a concern, follow a few effective tips to help him or her get sufficient amount of nutrients.
1. Increase Nutrient Density, Instead of Portion Size
Caregivers should not focus on increasing the volume of food they serve to seniors with low appetite, rather, increase the nutrient density. Try adding extra healthy calories in their meals in the form of olive oil, small amount of peanut butter, and avocado.
2. Set a Regular Eating Plan
Our bodies tend to flourish on regularity, including hunger and thirst signals. Straying from usual eating patterns can cause loss of appetite. Start small by adding a small snack or beverage during a normal meal time. This will stimulate the body’s hunger signals.
3. Watch Out for Medication Side Effects
Many medications cause dry mouth. Suggest your loved one chew sugarless gum, brush teeth often, or use a mouthwash before meals to enhance taste sensation, which will ultimately increase nutrient intake. If meat doesn’t taste good, try other sources of protein like beans or dairy. If water tastes bitter, try adding sliced fruits like orange, lemon or cucumber, or herbs.
4. Encourage Social Meals
The thought of eating alone can reduce a senior’s appetite. Check out the options of social contact at senior centers, community centers churches, and temples, as well as eat outs with friends, family or caregivers. You can also consider arranging a family dinner twice a month so your loved one can stay happy recalling fresh memories and be ready to have new.
5. Get an Appetite Stimulant Prescribed
Typical methods of increasing appetite may not work on every senior. Consult your loved one’s doctor to prescribe an appropriate appetite stimulant.
Use these tips to boost your loved one’s nutrient intake. In such a case, a Des Moines in-home caregiver can help with healthy meal preparation and offer companionship to prevent a sense of loneliness to boost appetite.