Editor’s note: The following column was originally published on January 29, 2022.

Thanks to advances in medicine and nutrition in recent years, we are living longer than ever. But with this increase in life expectancy, there is also an increase in the number of illnesses, injuries and disabilities affecting older people. It is with this in mind that we at the Visiting Angels Salem field office have created this series of articles to keep our senior population and their families informed and to offer practical advice for addressing the challenges facing older adults and those who take care of it.

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As many people age, eating healthily becomes a challenge for them and they refuse meals because they have lost their appetite. This can be a serious problem because a good diet is an important part of an older person’s overall health, and without proper nutrition, they can lose weight quickly and become frail. Although there are many causes that can lead to a decreased appetite in older adults, there are certain methods that can be used to improve eating habits.

However, the first step towards healthier eating for seniors is to ensure that their loss of appetite is not caused by a more serious health problem. Certain cancers, thyroid diseases, and infections of the mouth or throat can all cause changes in appetite or an altered sense of taste, as can diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, side effects of some medications may include dry mouth and taste changes.

Even if a senior’s loss of appetite is not caused by other medical problems, many changes that occur in the body due to the aging process can make eating meals difficult and unpleasant. Many older adults experience changes in taste and smell. Some flavors may not taste as bold as before, which can make foods taste bland. Likewise, some smells may become unpleasant with age, causing a person to move away from recipes they once loved.

Age-related changes can also lead to a reduced feeling of hunger, even if some time has passed since the last meal. These changes are often accompanied by a lack of physical activity. Conditions such as arthritis and certain neurological impairments can make it difficult for some older adults to maintain kitchen utensils, making it difficult for these individuals to sit down to eat.

Arthritis, dementia, and difficulty walking or standing can also make it difficult for some older adults to prepare healthy meals. As a result, they may resort to less healthy alternatives, like fast foods or prepackaged dinners, both of which can be high in sodium and sugars, or simple, high-calorie snacks, like cookies. or cakes.

Some older people may have difficulty eating because dental problems make chewing unpleasant, and medical problems such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis can cause swallowing problems. Older adults may avoid meals if they feel lonely or depressed, especially if they are eating alone, as these times can make their loneliness worse, and a loss of appetite is often caused by depression.

Dehydration can be a serious problem for older adults and can also lead to loss of appetite. Many older adults who don’t follow a regular routine to ensure they drink enough fluids become dehydrated without even knowing it. Additionally, dehydration also leads to loss of energy, which can result in less physical activity and loss of appetite.

In addition to staying hydrated and stimulating their appetite by staying physically active, there are other techniques seniors or those who care for them can use to ensure they eat enough nutritious foods, including following a regular routine. Often, serving meals or having snacks at the same times each day will signal to the body that it is time to eat. Older people may feel hungry at these times, but even if not, it’s still a good idea to follow the routine because our feelings of hunger decrease as we age.

It’s also a good idea to serve smaller portions of foods with higher nutritional value. In some cases, several smaller meals may be a better option than three larger meals, and these may include fruits and vegetables – cut into smaller pieces if necessary – cheeses, peanut butter, as well as meats and eggs – also cut into smaller pieces, and soups. .

Keeping healthy snacks on hand to satisfy hunger between meals is another good option. Cookies and cakes can be replaced with cheese cubes, cheese sticks or yogurt, a glass of milk, fresh fruit or vegetables, or peanut butter and crackers. Sometimes a person who is not hungry when they sit down to eat at meal times can get the nutrition they need by “pasture” on healthy alternatives throughout the day.

For older adults who have difficulty managing utensils, easy-to-handle foods are an option. Fruits and vegetables – raw or steamed – fish sticks, sandwiches and chicken fillets or nuggets can sometimes be easier to hold than a fork or spoon. For times when utensils are essential, using specially designed silverware with thicker handles or handles can make the task less difficult.

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Information provided by Visiting Angels, America’s choice in home care. Visiting Angels’ non-medical home care services allow people to continue to enjoy independence from their daily routines and familiar surroundings. To make an appointment for a no-obligation in-home consultation, call 330-332-1203.