How to Help Older Adults Eat Healthy All Year Long

With the holidays nearing, you might be thinking about festive meals and family gatherings centered around favorite foods and traditions. But what about the rest of the year? Is everyone in your family—particularly older loved ones—getting proper nutrition on a regular basis? While holiday feasts could be an exception, many seniors quietly struggle with malnutrition for a number of reasons. The first step to knowing how to help older adults eat healthy all year is learning about the issues they might be facing.

Health Issues and Medications

For many older adults, chronic health issues and the medications used to treat them play a significant role in their struggle with malnutrition. Ailments such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, or digestive tract disorders can limit food intake or lower the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. Furthermore, medications commonly prescribed for these ailments may have negative effects such as nausea, a decreased appetite, or altered taste, which can cause a lack of desire for food.

In some instances, mental health conditions like anxiety and depression also contribute to malnutrition. When older adults are feeling emotionally overwhelmed or isolated, they might not have the desire to cook meals or eat regularly. Addressing both physical and mental health issues is essential to make sure older loved ones can maintain proper nutrition.

Grief and Other Complications From Losing a Spouse

The loss of a partner can have a profound impact on eating habits, and even more so if the individual relied on their partner for meal preparation. This is very common for men who may not have been the primary cook in the household. After losing a spouse, they may not have the skills or experience needed to cook for themselves, ultimately causing reliance on processed or convenience foods that don’t have the necessary nutrients.

Loneliness and grief can further exacerbate this dilemma. Foods that were once enjoyed with someone they cared about may now feel empty, and the motivation to make healthy, balanced meals diminishes. Over time, this can lead to poor eating habits and nutritional deficiencies. Ensuring your loved one has support in learning to make simple, nutritious meals or arranging for meal deliveries can help minimize these challenges.

Mobility and Transportation Hurdles

Access to healthy food also is a significant barrier that a lot of older adults face. Mobility limitations, like arthritis or balance issues, can make it challenging for seniors to go to the supermarket or carry heavy bags of groceries. People who live in remote areas or are no longer able to drive might also struggle with transportation, making it hard to get fresh, healthy food on a regular basis.

While grocery delivery services are available in many areas, seniors may not be comfortable with technology or may find these services too costly. In addition, some seniors may depend upon food pantries or other community resources, but these often provide non-perishable products that are less nutrient-dense than fresh produce or lean proteins.

The Importance of Support and Resources to Help Older Adults Eat Healthy

So what can you do if you suspect an older loved one is having difficulty maintaining proper nutrition?

Be familiar with the signs: losing weight, weakness, or a lack of desire for food.Check out the MyPlate for Older Adults for helpful guidelines.Address any underlying issues by scheduling a checkup with the physician.One of the best ways to help is simply by contacting Responsive Home Care. We can:

Plan and prepare nutritious and delicious meals.Share in mealtimes to make them more pleasurable.Provide accompaniment to buy groceries (or take care of food shopping for the person).And more!Reach out to us at 954-486-6440 any time for more information on our home care services in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Davie, and throughout Broward County.