Many people don’t think of eating disorders as significant problems among elderly people, but they are. Good nutrition is critical for our overall health and wellness. Malnutrition among the elderly is a serious issue and knowing the warning signs may mean the difference between health and illness. Malnutrition among the elderly can be associated with a weakened immune system, increase in infections, poor wound healing, weakened muscles, decreased bone mass, falls, fractures, risk of hospitalization and an increased risk in death. Malnutrition can also lead to a greater lack of interest in appetite or eating, making matters much worse.
Causes of Malnutrition
The underlying cause of malnutrition is rather simple – little to no nutrition intake that leads to health problems. Beyond this, there are many physical, emotional and social reasons why malnutrition occurs. Most times, it involves a combination of the following factors.
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Age
As we age, we face many age-related health conditions that may interfere with diet and nutrition. Something as simple as dental problems can make eating less enjoyable. Dementia can create many problems concerning our diet and nutritional status. Certain diseases and disorders can lead to decreased appetite. Medications can also interfere with our diet due to unpleasant side effects. We may also experience a decrease in appetite due to a decline in our senses, like smell and taste. So, age itself, may play a significant role in malnutrition.
Restricted Diets
As we age, one of the most pleasurable things in life is food. If we age with certain illnesses and disorders, we may have to live with restricted or prescription diets. Diabetes is a good example of how a disorder can alter our quality of life associated with diet. Limiting the good features in food like salt, sugar, fat, proteins, and carbohydrates can make us less interested in eating. If it doesn’t taste good, why bother?
Psychological Factors
Eating is more than a physical event. It is very psychological. Depression, anxiety, grief, substance abuse and other emotional problems can greatly interfere with our diet and nutrition. Being lonely and living alone have shown to be negative influences on good nutritional status. Being socially engaged, on the other hand, has a positive impact on our eating behaviors and nutrition. Drinking too much alcohol can interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption. Some people may substitute food for alcohol.
Signs of Malnutrition
Most likely, the elderly person will experience more than one of the above factors leading to poor diet and possibly malnutrition. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of malnutrition. These can be challenging to detect, but paying close attention to your loved ones eating habits might help to avoid nutritional problems.
Simple watch your loved one’s eating habits. What are they eating? How often do they eat? Would you maintain similar eating habits? Does the person live alone, are they living with someone, or are they in a senior living community? Who is buying their food?
Be on the lookout for weight loss. Seniors who lose too much weight can end up with a lot of health problems. It’s actually good to have a little extra fat as we age. We might need it one day if we have a fall or develop an illness. You can simply check to see how their clothing fits as an indicator of weight loss.
Knowing the medications your loved one is on is another very important factor concerning malnutrition. Look up possible side effects. Is decreased appetite one of those side effects? Perhaps it is altered nutrition? Either way, prescription and over-the-counter (OTCs) medications can interfere with eating habits, appetite and nutrition. If in doubt, ask a healthcare professional about your loved one’s eating habits and the medications they have been prescribed.
Final Statement on Geriatric Malnutrition
Food is one of the greatest sources of not only nutrition and health, but of enjoyment, satisfaction and quality of life. Aging can greatly interfere with nutrition. Age-related disorders and medications can also become a negative influence concerning good health, proper nutrition and well-being later in life. Know the signs of malnutrition and do something about it. You can help your older loved one enjoy food and live a quality life.
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