Loss of appetite, a risk factor for elderly

Browse By

Anorexia of Aging can reflect the health of the elderly. If the elderly eat less, the body will not receive enough energy and nutrients, lose weight, increase the risk of infection, slow recovery, and develop sarcopenia, which may cause the elderly to have problems with movement, คาสิโนออนไลน์ UFABET ฝากถอนรวดเร็ว เริ่มต้นเล่นง่าย be at risk of falling, and lead to a reduced quality of life.

Causes of anorexia
  • Oral and swallowing problems

Oral problems such as tooth decay, toothlessness, periodontal disease, dry mouth (xerostomia), and swallowing problems (dysphagia), choking on food are common annoyances found in this age group, causing boredom and a lack of desire to eat.

  • Problems with smell and taste perception

The smell and taste of food can enhance the enjoyment of eating. However, when entering the elderly age, the olfactory receptor cell in the nasal cavity works less, including the taste buds, which are reduced in number, resulting in slower taste perception (Hypogeusia).

  • Poor digestive system function

Slower stomach motility and reduced stomach elasticity can cause older adults to feel full sooner, and food can stay in the stomach longer than usual, so older adults can feel fuller longer after eating. 

  • Mental health problems

Emotions have a great impact on food satisfaction in the elderly. Sometimes, if they are stressed, depressed, bored, sad, dull and discouraged in life, it can cause them to lose their appetite and eat less.

  • Bad dining table atmosphere

Environment is an important factor in helping older people eat better. Some people live alone or have to eat alone. The taste of food is not delicious. The place to eat is not convenient or clean, causing them to eat less or refuse to eat.

Now that you know the causes, learn 5 ways to solve the problem that causes older adults to eat less.

Add a meal

Adjust or divide the main meals into 4-5 small meals per day instead of the normal 3 main meals, focusing on foods that are high in energy and protein.

Garnish the food

Arrange the food to look appetizing. Use a variety of food colors such as red, green, orange, yellow, and add herbs to the food to enhance the smell and taste of the food.

Solve chewing and swallowing problems

See a dentist if you have oral problems. Choose softer foods or cut them into smaller pieces. If the elderly person has trouble swallowing or choking, consult a specialist for advice on making food with the right thickness.

Create a positive atmosphere at the dining table

Eating with family members and friends, arrange the dining environment to be appropriate, such as setting the table in a simple, clean color, a clean area, good ventilation, a warm atmosphere, and maybe playing music to match the atmosphere, creating relaxation and increasing the enjoyment of eating more.

Eat meals on time

To stimulate the body to be aware of food time, helping to increase appetite.

Anorexia in the elderly is a warning sign of various problems that may occur later. Therefore, if we try to apply these 5 simple recommendations, we will be able to take care of the elderly so that they are happy to eat, to promote good physical and mental health, and to prevent future illnesses.