The Signs Of Malnutrition May Be Harder To Spot In Seniors

If you have a senior in your life, you likely have observed that their appetite has changed from what it was in the past, usually being much smaller. Generally, our body and brain tell us when we are full, when we’re hungry, and everything in between. But there are certain times or conditions when residents of Mount Vernon or elsewhere don’t hear, or no longer understand, these messages especially if other medical conditions are involved, such as palliative care.

The team at Above and Beyond Home Health Care and Hospice are always happy to help individuals and families with the challenges of growing older, especially learning to live with different conditions.

One of the biggest challenges is food. It’s important that people eat regularly, even if they don’t think they have much appetite.

Not eating well on a regular basis doesn’t make someone extra hungry or more tired. For seniors, especially those already in poor health, it could quickly lead to dangerous conditions like malnutrition and dehydration.

According to the Mayo Clinic, malnutrition can decrease the immune system, increase the possibility of infections and inflammation in the body, cause a higher chance of falls, a greater risk of hospitalization, and a greater risk of death.

Malnutrition doesn’t just mean occasionally skipping a meal if you lose track of time; it can mean that someone isn’t eating enough healthy food. He or she may eat at irregular times, if at all, and perhaps eat only junk food that’s lacking in nutrients.

What to look for

There are a variety of factors that could lead to malnutrition – some are mental, physical, even environmental.

Seniors, in general, may face appetite problems.

Someone could have a health condition that reduces the taste and smell, and therefore much of the pleasure, of food. For instance, some conditions including chemotherapy can change the taste of food, making it more of a necessary chore than a fun experience to have a meal. Diseases like diabetes can change metabolism as well.

Seniors who live by themselves due to the death of a spouse or family members living elsewhere, may not have the interest in preparing full meals on a regular basis.

Some may feel depressed, which is known to cut down on appetite. They also may not be able to walk well and don’t feel comfortable leaving their home, let alone trying to navigate a busy grocery store.

There may also be financial considerations: they may dislike spending limited money on higher-quality food when less quality food is less expensive.

Mental health may be a factor too, such as forgetting to eat or even eating household items that aren’t food.

Substances like alcohol, tobacco, even prescription medication can also affect dining schedules and reduce the absorption of nutrition.

In some homes, light bulbs that are burned out can make it difficult to see what’s in cupboards, which increases the possibility of eating something spoiled or dangerous. Though a simple solution could be just to change the bulb or add more light, some residents may not think of this or don’t want to ask for assistance.

How to help

If you’re a caregiver, a friend, or family member concerned that a loved one isn’t eating well and is risking malnutrition, there are some options to try.

First, observing them can be a good indicator that something is wrong. There could be a variety of warning signs, everything from junk food in the garbage to spoiled food in cupboards or refrigerators.

Looking at them closely can show signs of malnutrition, such as rapid weight loss, feeling tired all the time, refusing food when offered or eating small amounts, or even swelling in the body.

Education is big: someone may not have the knowledge of what to eat or how to prepare food safely. Perhaps someone was used to a spouse cooking the meals and he or she isn’t around, and they can’t afford to eat out all the time.

So, finding a way to help with this literacy, even how to make basic meals or stock a cupboard with healthy items can help. Many stores now offer delivery due to the COVID pandemic, so they can either have it delivered to the door or go to the store parking lot.

A health care provider should be consulted as well. He or she may be able to recommend everything from mental health assistance if that’s a factor to supplements such as shakes that can provide extra protein and nutrients.

Medications may need to be changed if they’re affecting food schedules, or even the time of the day to take them (evening vs. morning.) A provider may learn that the reasons that they aren’t eating could indicate other health problems – a sore mouth or pain chewing may be due to dental needs, or stomach problems could be due to allergies or sensitivities to certain foods.

Learn more

Because malnutrition can be such a complex topic, especially if seniors are involved, there are plenty of resources available. For instance, the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition has designated Oct. 4-8 as Malnutrition Awareness Week. It’s an annual observance that encourages support around the world to nutritional efforts.