Recognizing Nutritional Problems in Seniors
Many seniors face inadequate nutrition. The effects of being undernourished or malnourished can be dangerous, so it is important to recognize signs of nutritional issues in aging loved ones.
Common Challenges to Seniors’ Nutritional Health
Typically, nutritional issues are associated with poverty or illnesses. For seniors, however, some of the most common challenges include:
- Difficulty getting to grocery stores, carrying groceries, and putting them away
- Trouble with meal planning and remembering things in the kitchen
- Struggling with cooking, cleaning dishes, etc.
- Lack of hunger due to health problems, sadness, or loneliness
- Forgetting to cook, eat, or get groceries
- Fatigue leading to convenient, unhealthy food choices
- Problems with taste, swallowing, or digestion
Some challenges are unexpected. For instance, one study found a senior woman was unplugging her refrigerator at night because it was noisy. This made the food she was consuming unsafe and caused health problems for months. (Public Health Post and NCBI)
Signs of Nutrition Problems in Seniors
Recognizing some nutrition problems in seniors can be simple, but others are more complex.
Look for signs like these:
- Weight loss, whether slow or fast
- Lack of appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling cold often
- Getting sick easily
- Wounds taking a long time to heal
- Mood changes or irritability
In extreme cases or when malnourishment is a problem, symptoms might include:
- Shakiness or lightheadedness
- Difficulty breathing
- Sunken cheeks and features
- Digestive trouble
- Hair and skin drying out
Parkwood’s caregivers can support your loved one’s special dietary needs. Learn more about our home care services.