With the holidays approaching, you could be thinking about festive meals and family gatherings focused on favorite foods and traditions. But what about the rest of the year? Are your family members—particularly older loved ones—getting proper nutrition on an everyday basis? While holiday meals could be an exception, many older adults quietly battle with malnutrition for a variety of reasons. The first step to helping older loved ones stay nourished and healthy year-round is learning about the issues they might be facing.
Health Issues and Medications
For a lot of senior loved ones, chronic health issues and also the medications used to treat them play a significant role in their battle with malnutrition. Conditions such as heart disease, cancer, or digestive tract disorders can limit food intake or reduce the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. Furthermore, medications commonly prescribed for these conditions may have side effects such as nausea, a decreased appetite, or altered taste, which can cause a lack of desire for food.
In some cases, mental health conditions like anxiety and depression also contribute to malnutrition. When older adults are feeling isolated or emotionally overwhelmed, they might not have the desire to cook meals or eat regularly. Addressing both mental and physical health issues is essential to ensure that senior loved ones can maintain proper nutrition.
Grief and Other Complications From Losing a Spouse
The loss of a partner can have a profound effect on diet, and even more so if the individual relied on their partner for the preparation of food. This is particularly common for men who might not have been the main cook in the family. After losing a partner, they might not have the skills or experience necessary to cook on their own, leading to reliance on processed or convenience foods that lack the necessary nutrients and vitamins.
Grief and loneliness can further exacerbate this issue. Meals that were once shared with someone you care about now feel empty, and the motivation to prepare healthy, balanced meals diminishes. With time, this can lead to poor eating habits and nutritional deficits. Ensuring your loved one has support in learning to make simple, nutritious meals or arranging for meal deliveries can help relieve these challenges.
Mobility and Transportation Hurdles
Access to healthy food also is a significant barrier that many seniors face. Mobility limitations, like arthritis or balance issues, can make it hard for seniors to get to the supermarket or carry heavy bags of groceries. Individuals who live in rural areas or are no longer able to drive may also have trouble with transportation, which makes it hard to get fresh, healthy food on a consistent basis.
While grocery delivery services can be found in many areas, older loved ones may not be comfortable with technology or may find such services too expensive. In addition, some seniors may count on food pantries or other community resources, but these often provide non-perishable products that are less nutrient-dense than lean proteins and fresh produce.
The Importance of Support and Resources
So what can you do if you suspect an older family member is finding it challenging to maintain proper nutrition?
- Address any underlying issues by scheduling a checkup with the health care provider.
- Know the signs: losing weight, weakness, or an absence of desire for food.
- Check out the MyPlate for Older Adults for helpful suggestions.
Among the best ways to help is by contacting Home Health Companions. We can:
- Share in mealtimes to make them more enjoyable.
- Plan and prepare nutritious and delicious meals.
- Provide transportation and accompaniment to pick up groceries (or take care of food shopping for the person).
- And much more!
Call us at 214-295-8213 or reach out to us online any time for more information on our senior care services in Westlake, Highland Park, Lakewood, in addition to surrounding areas.