The Warning Signs Of Malnutrition In Seniors

Malnutrition In Seniors:
Proper Nutrition is Key to Healthy Aging

 

For older adults with chronic conditions, proper nutrition is more than just a good idea. It’s an essential part of managing many health problems like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and more. That’s why it’s important for older adults and their caregivers to learn the warning signs of malnutrition and connect with resources to stay healthy.

“Too often, older adults with chronic conditions can become malnourished because they lose their appetite, or it’s difficult for them to shop for and prepare healthy food,” said Cora Plass, Senior Director of the National Council On Aging’s Center for Healthy Aging. “It’s important to understand what malnutrition looks like and take steps to get the nourishment our bodies need.”

A new survey from The Gerontological Society of America confirms the challenges of good nutrition for older adults and their caregivers. In an online survey of over 1000 people conducted by Harris Interactive in July 2015, 83% of patients and caregivers said they think malnutrition is a significant problem for older adults, yet only 28% of caregivers said they understand malnutrition very well. More than 90% of caregivers said they provide care for an older adult who has experienced a chronic health problem.

For seniors living with chronic conditions, malnutrition can result in the loss of muscle and other tissue, which can make it harder to recover, increase the risk for infection and falls, decrease strength, and lead to longer hospital stays. In addition, malnutrition can lead to further disinterest in eating or lack of appetite, which only makes the problem worse.

How Malnutrition Begins
The causes of malnutrition might seem straightforward—too little food or a diet lacking in nutrients. In reality, though, malnutrition is often caused by a combination of physical, social and psychological issues.

For example:

• Health Concerns
  Older adults often have health problems—such as dementia or dental issues—that can lead to decreased appetite or trouble eating. Other factors that might play a role include a chronic illness, use of certain medications, difficulty swallowing or absorbing nutrients, a recent hospitalization, or a diminished sense of taste or smell.
• Restricted Diets
  Dietary restrictions—such as limits on salt, fat, protein or sugar—can help manage certain medical conditions, but might also contribute to inadequate eating.
• Limited Income
  Some older adults might have trouble affording groceries, especially if they're taking expensive medications.
• Reduced Social Contact
  Older adults who eat alone might not enjoy meals as before, causing them to lose interest in cooking and eating.
• Depression
  Grief, loneliness, failing health, lack of mobility and other factors might contribute to depression—causing loss of appetite.
• Alcoholism
  Too much alcohol can interfere with the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Nutrients might also be lacking if alcohol is substituted for meals.

How to Spot Malnutrition
The signs of malnutrition in older adults can be tough to spot, especially in people who don't seem at risk — but uncovering problems at the earliest stage can help prevent complications later.

To detect malnutrition:

• Observe your senior loved one’s eating habits
  Spend time with your loved one during meals at home, not just on special occasions. If your loved one lives alone, find out who buys his or her food. If your loved one is in a hospital or long term care facility, visit during mealtimes.
• Watch for weight loss
  Help your loved one monitor his or her weight at home. You might also watch for other signs of weight loss, such as changes in how clothing fits.
• Be alert to other red flags
  In addition to weight loss, malnutrition can cause poor wound healing, easy bruising and dental difficulties.
• Know your senior loved one’s medications
  Many drugs affect appetite, digestion and nutrient absorption.

What you can do about Malnutrition
Even small dietary changes can make a big difference in an older adult's health and well-being.

For example:

• Engage doctors
  If your loved one is losing weight, work with his or her doctors to identify and address any contributing factors. This might include changing medications that affect appetite, suspending any diet restrictions until your loved one is eating more effectively, and working with a dentist to treat oral pain or chewing problems.
• Encourage your loved one to eat foods packed with nutrients
  Spread peanut or other nut butters on toast and crackers, fresh fruits, and raw vegetables. Sprinkle finely chopped nuts or wheat germ on yogurt, fruit and cereal. Add extra egg whites to scrambled eggs and omelets and encourage use of whole milk. Add cheese to sandwiches, vegetables, soups, rice and noodles.
• Restore life to bland food
  Make a restricted diet more appealing by using lemon juice, herbs and spices. If loss of taste and smell is a problem, experiment with seasonings and recipes.
• Plan between-meal snacks
  A piece of fruit or cheese, a spoonful of peanut butter, or a fruit smoothie can provide nutrients and calories.
• Make meals social events
  Drop by during mealtime or invite your loved one to your home for occasional meals. Encourage your loved one to join programs where he or she can eat with others.

Identifying and treating nutrition issues early can promote good health, independence and increased longevity. Take steps now to ensure your loved one’s nutrition. The National Council On Aging (NCOA) provides free tips and information about malnutrition in older adults at www.ncoa.org/NutritionTools.

 

Alternatives for Seniors is a print and online directory that specifically caters to the housing and personal care concerns of senior citizens and their families. Call our Senior Specialists at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747) or visit the Alternatives for Seniors website to begin searching for the perfect home for you or your loved ones.

Also, be sure to join our Facebook community and follow us on Twitter and Pinterest.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

BLOG Date: Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Writer: Ryan Allen