When your senior is not getting the proper amount of nutrition or hydration in their daily diet, it can cause symptoms that are often mistaken for a disease or illness. Seniors are vulnerable to malnutrition. As we age, our bodies go through many inevitable changes, even if we are incredibly healthy. These changes may affect how we consume and use the nutrients in our food. If you notice your loved one eating smaller portions, that’s okay; people require fewer calories as they age. To maintain proper health and nutrition, look for changes in your loved ones eating habits, and consider the following to optimize their lifestyles and diets to overcome such challenges:
1. Loss of Kidney Function. As you age, your kidneys are less able to conserve fluid. Staying hydrated helps the kidneys to work better and allows medications to absorb properly.
2. Weakened Taste Buds. As your taste for salty and sweet declines, it can put a damper on your cravings. When your taste bud function diminishes, it can make food taste more bitter or sour, thus not sounding tasty to eat anymore.
3. Decreased Sense of Thirst. When you are aging, your body can lose awareness of thirst and does not respond to it as quickly. This is entirely normal. To help increase water intake, consider making a tea or adding flavor to your pitcher.
4. Pain in the Teeth and Gums. When you have pain in your teeth and gums, it may decrease your desire to eat, and cause you to steer clear of certain foods. If chewing foods becomes painful, changing the texture and consistency can help. Try softer foods and smoothies to help maintain nutrition without the pain of chewing. Also, consider scheduling a dental appointment; a bad tooth or ill-fitting dentures could be the cause of the pain.
5. Loss of Appetite. Seniors may lose interest in eating as their appetites wane. Consider making mealtime more than just a healthy habit by creating a social atmosphere to go along with meals. This can give you a reason to look forward to meals or provide a distraction to help them eat.
We offer a variety of dining experiences at Evergreen Place in Champaign. With multiple choices, our residents can find precisely what sounds good to them. You can view the dining experiences we offer throughout Evergreen Senior Living’s communities HERE. To learn more about the dining options at Evergreen Place in Champaign, give us a call today at 217-530-4300 or schedule a private virtual tour.
