Seniors are at increased risk for malnutrition. Malnutrition can affect ail seniors, not just the frail and impoverished.
According to information found on the Mayo clinic website, there are estimates that as many of 85 percent of senior adults in long term care facilities and more than half of all seniors who are cared for at home suffer from being undernourished and malnourished. Malnutrition results from low levels of proteins and other nutrients. A growing number of active, independent older adults are malnourished. Women who live alone, minorities and low income seniors are at a increased risk of malnutrition.
Clear signs that seniors are malnourished include losing weight, loss of muscle tone and becoming weak and confused. These signs are easily evident. However, it is more difficult to spot signs of malnutrition in people who appear to be thriving. Signs of physical problems caused by malnutrition include mental confusion, poor wound healing, easy bruising and dental problems.
Malnutrition is caused by a combination of too little food, a diet lacking nutrients and poor absorption. There are any factors that contribute to the problems, including physical, emotional and social problems.
As example is that older, single adults often don’t bother to cook for themselves. Many seniors do not bother to eat unless they are invited out to a social function. A long time period of poor nourishment increases the loss of muscle mass and strength that accompanies aging.
Activities such as shopping and food preparation become more difficult. Chronic lack of nourishment leads to increased frailty and can trigger depression and lack of appetite.
Malnutrition can lead to weakness of the immune system. A weakened immune system can increase the risk of pneumonia, infections and other health conditions.
Malnutrition can also contribute to mental confusion and a feeling of disorientation. People who are not thinking clearly are even more likely to eat poorly. Ofter people who are disorientated and not eating well are more like to end up in a hospital or long care facility.
Although signs of malnutrition are often hidden, it is important to be alert to changes that signal a nutrition problem. Seniors may hide some of the signs of malnutrition, so don’t expect them to tell you about it. One of the best ways to tell if there is a problem with malnutrition is to spend time with seniors and observe their behavior. Eat meals with them. While it is great to take them out for a meal, a more accurate picture can be gained by eating with them in a normal environment, such as at home or at their long- term facility.
The effects of malnutrition are very complex. It is important to make sure that seniors get adequate nutrition to retain their vitality, quality of life and independence as long as possible.
There are many triggering factors to malnutrition. Following are difficulties that trigger malnutrition.
1. Chronic illness. Long term, debilitating conditions affect the ability to shop, prepare meals and feed themselves. Chronic and acute ailments ofter suppress the appetite. Even though the appetite is decreased, the need for nutrients increases. Conditions such as Dementia, Alzheimer’s, alcoholism and other illnesses affect mental functioning while having a profound effect on appetite. Caregivers for r ailing seniors are also at risk, as they neglect themselves while tending to the needs of an ailing partner.
2. Recent Hospitalizations. Acute illness takes a toll of the health of seniors. Often they return home with weakness, weight loss an loss of appetite.
3. Depression. Depression affects as many as 6 million Americans over 65. Depressed people may neglect nutrition.
4. Alcoholism. There are no clear figures on how many older adults have alcohol problems, but experts suspect that the number is larger that suspected. Alcoholism causes a decrease in appetite and is often substituted for food. In addition, alcohol destroys the nutrient value and vitamins in foods.
5. Mal absorption. As the body ages, the body does not absorb and use nutrients efficiently. Digestive enzymes diminish and interfere with the breakdown of protein and vitamin absorption.
6. Medications. Drugs can contribute to the problem by decreasing appetite. this problem can be compounded by multiple medications.
8. Diminished taste and smell. As the sense of taste and smell diminish, the enjoyment of food lessens.
9. Restricted diets. Diets low in salt, fat, protein and sugars can be so unappealing that the senior just doesn’t want to eat. Some experts recommend rethinking diet restrictions, as the effects of malnourishment are worse that the effects of foods that are rich and salty.
10. Limited income. If finances are stretched thin, seniors my have to choose between eating or taking medications.
11. Loneliness and isolation. The solitary life and isolation cause boredom, grief, loneliness and depression. These feelings may decrease appetite.
If you suspect a senior is suffering from malnourishment, there are some simple steps you can take to help them get better nutrition.
1. Enrich foods. Boost nutrition by encouraging seniors to spread nut butters or peanut butter on toast or crackers. Add cheese to sandwiches, vegetables, soups, rice and noodles. Add protein and vitamins to otherwise spartan foods to increase nutrition.
5. Outside meal sources. There are community meal programs, such as “Meals on Wheels” th provide meals for seniors. Ask the local department of health for suggestions.
7. Social events. Engage the senior by including them in mealtime. Social interaction may improve their enjoyment of food.
8. Encourage exercise. Daily exercise stimulates appetite, helps alleviate depression and strengthens the muscles and bones. If there is a community group for senior exercise, encourage them to join. Group exercise activity also provides a valuable social outlet.
Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. Discuss concerns with a medical professional.
