If you’ve noticed that your loved one isn’t eating as much as they used to, you’re not alone. Many seniors experience a loss of appetite as they age, but there are ways to make eating easier and more pleasurable.
Many things, from physical factors like changes to their sense of taste to emotional factors like anxiety and depression, can affect eating patterns. However, seniors who struggle with loss of appetite may benefit from a senior living community that offers culinary and wellness services. These in-house services can make healthy eating easier and more enjoyable.
Reasons Older Adults Struggle with Eating
Loss of appetite is more common among older adults. There are many possible reasons why someone may eat less as they age, from physical changes to emotional challenges.
Physical Changes
Many physical changes happen to our bodies as we age. These changes can make eating more difficult or less pleasurable than it used to be. Physical changes associated with age include:
- Fewer taste buds: After age 60, a person’s sensitivity to taste starts decreasing, as does their saliva production, which also affects taste.
- Dental and swallowing problems: Dental pain is associated with poorer appetite among older adults. Dysphagia (swallowing problems) can also make eating more challenging.
- Medication side effects: Some older adults take regular medications for health conditions, and these medications may affect appetite, taste, and mouth dryness.
- Lower calorie needs: Due to factors like changes in metabolism, reduced physical activity, and loss of bone and muscle mass, older adults often require fewer calories. Yet, seniors need similar or even more nutrients than younger generations.
Emotional Challenges
Our emotions can also affect the way we eat. For example, depression can make food taste less good and is also associated with changes in appetite, often with changes in weight.
Meanwhile, anxiety leads many people to binge eat due to stress. It can also have the opposite effect and cause loss of appetite in others. This is because physical symptoms of anxiety, such as nausea and tension, can make eating an unattractive task.
Tips to Improve Your Loved One’s Appetite
Because older adults still require similar or even more nutrients than their younger counterparts, prioritizing healthy eating is essential. Consider the following advice if your loved one has trouble eating healthy.
Get Active
Physical exercise can benefit everyone, including older adults. Doing physical activity can stimulate appetite, improve mood, prevent falls, and boost some areas of cognitive function.
Older adults can enjoy and benefit from many physical activities, including gentler types like yoga, tai chi, walking, and dancing. Many senior living communities offer regularly scheduled, guided physical activities. For example, Kingston Residence of Vermilion residents can enjoy scenic lake walks and field trips that get them out and about.
Experiment with Seasoning
Because our sense of taste changes as we age, it may be worth exploring and experimenting with new seasonings and spices. Try new herbs, spices, lemon juice, or vinegar without adding salt to make dishes more interesting.
Try New Foods
If your current meals feel bland, try something new altogether! The National Institute on Aging recommends trying different shapes, colors, and textures. Experiment with different cooking methods, such as steaming vegetables for a shorter length of time so they have more crunch and flavor.
Make Eating a Social Occasion
Dining with others can be more enjoyable than eating alone, not to mention less work when everyone pitches in. One of the many advantages of senior living communities is that residents enjoy chef-prepared, expertly crafted meals in a communal dining room. This makes eating more leisurely and social.
Curious about the dining choices at Kingston Residence of Vermilion? Explore our seasonal menu.
Seek Medical Advice
Nutrition is essential for healthy living, so it’s important to address loss of appetite promptly. If your loved one is experiencing this, seek advice from your doctor. Talking to your doctor before adding meal replacement shakes or nutritional supplements to your diet is also important.
Nutritious Living at Kingston Residence of Vermilion
A senior living community can make eating a healthy diet easier, simpler, and more interesting for older adults. Worry less about grocery shopping or washing dishes. With in-house chefs cooking for you, you can focus on enjoying your meal, trying new foods, and sharing the joy of dining with friends and family.
The health and wellness of residents is a top priority at Kingston Residence of Vermilion, and we are proud to offer a rich culinary experience. Our professional chefs prepare meals, and residents can choose from different dining options that fit their needs or moods.
Dine with others in the main dining room, or choose a more casual option like our outdoor patio. You can also request meal delivery for those quiet nights in. And yes, friends and family are also welcome to dine with residents!
Explore what our community has to offer in person by scheduling a tour with us today. We’d love to meet you and see how we can be part of your life’s next chapter!
