How Appetite Loss Leads to Decline
But remember that even if the physician can’t find anything medically wrong, weight loss itself is a major concern. "Not eating" becomes the most important diagnosis. That’s because eating less and losing weight can kick off a downward spiral. The person declines much faster with low energy, decreasing strength, and loss of independence. This cycle can lead to a life that is shorter and of lower quality.
Fortunately, by catching weight loss early and addressing the underlying causes, we can stop the cycle and turn things around.
Start by checking the basics:
- Medications. Many medications can interfere with eating and appetite. Some decrease production of saliva. Work with the doctor to review prescriptions and look for alternatives.
- Dental issues. Does the person have tooth decay, gum disease, ill-fitting dentures, or dry mouth? Dental issues can make it hard or painful to chew and swallow. Schedule a dental visit to check.
- Mental health. Anxiety and depression can both affect appetite. Consult with a professional if you think this may be a factor.
4 Steps to Improve Appetite
Once you’ve addressed any underlying causes, follow these steps to help your loved one regain healthy eating habits:
- Help seniors look forward to eating. Favorite foods, favorite people, and favorite places are a recipe for success. Offer foods they like and take some care with the presentation, so food looks appealing and tasty. Remember, taste sensation is decreased so extra flavoring is often needed. Comfort foods and desserts are fine -- whatever they enjoy! Offer a few choices. "Mom, do you want to try the mashed potatoes or chicken nuggets?" Serve modest portions that aren’t intimidating. Remember: moderate physical activity boosts appetite. So, take a walk before dinner.
- Make it easy. Serve foods that are easy to manage and eat. Provide utensils they can comfortably grasp and set food within reach.. Try cream soups and smoothies for people who have difficulty chewing. Offer assistance when needed. However, avoid "feeding" a person if at all possible.
- Make it enjoyable. Eating should be a time to relax and enjoy. Set aside plenty of time, and don’t rush. Make the environment comfortable. Sit with them and give yourself a snack so you can eat together. Don't just "watch" a person eat. Remember that meals are a social activity. Give your loved one some extra attention. A simple comment like, "Mom, would you like some coffee?" can make a person feel special.
- Make it manageable. Never force a senior to eat. If it becomes a battle of wills, back off and try again later. Instead of pushing a large meal, offer five to six smaller portions throughout the day. Make eating a habit. Snack foods are great. Make them easy to reach for when the munchies strike. Old adages like "don't snack, you'll ruin your appetite" don't apply when caring for an underweight frail elder.
What about Medication?
People sometimes wonder if they should give elderly patients medication to improve their appetite. Medication may be a solution when it treats the underlying cause. For instance, the antidepressant mirtazepine is often prescribed when poor appetite is combined with depression. Used appropriately and at the right dose, this drug can improve appetite in elderly patients. Mirtazepine does have side effects including drowsiness. Other medications are sometimes prescribed to increase appetite. However, results are mixed. All drugs have potential side effects. So, talk with your doctor about the pros and cons.
The other good news is that, as caregivers, we often have the power to turn things around. This is especially true when loss of appetite is due to aging related factors. As a geriatrician, I’ve seen many success stories where caregivers played a vital role in helping a frail elderly person enjoy eating again and regain strength. Caregivers are problem solvers who can make all the difference. It does take patience and it is a labor of love.
I’m pleased to say that’s what happened for my friend. After being hospitalized for a fall, she finally accepted that she couldn’t live by herself anymore. She reluctantly moved to a senior living community. At first, she complained, but within a few weeks she started making friends. She had people helping her with meal preparation, and friends to eat with. Now when I visit, I can see that she’s regained some weight and looks stronger.
What a difference eating can make.
Do you have a pearl of wisdom or piece of advice about helping an elderly person with their appetite? Drop your tips in the comments!
Warmest Aloha,
P.S. My good friend Pattie came up with a smoothie recipe for her husband. It's very high calorie and sounds delicious. Click the link to download:
Sitting Down to Eat
The family table is often the heart of the home and a time for companionship. For many persons, especially those who are alone in their homes, find it lonely to sit and eat at their table for meals. Mealtimes bring memories of family and friends and subsequently, mealtimes bring on feelings of sadness and perhaps, a diminished appetite.
A study in two Texas hospitals found that older adults living at home and in long-term care often have poor appetites. Their research showed that seniors who eat alone are at a higher risk for malnutrition, weight loss, bone frailty and loss of bone density, and other poor health outcomes including cardiovascular disease, higher cholesterol and blood pressure, and inflammation.
This research has also shown that sitting in a chair for meals rather than eating in bed or standing up had “a significant impact on the amount of food persons ate” and that sitting in a chair contributes to a better appetite. Sitting in a chair at the table also benefits digestion and minimizes “bloating”, that too full feeling. A comparison study on sitting down in a chair to eat had a significant positive impact on the amount of food persons consumed and that sitting in a chair supports a better appetite and increased mealtime satisfaction.
Encouraging elder patients to sit in a chair to eat and having family, friends, or their caregiver at the table with them may increase both their appetite and sociability, to try more food choices, and enhance their well-being and nutritional health.
Patricia E Sokol, RN, JD
George W Merck Family Fellow
Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2010-2011
Wow, Pattie, You have a great smoothie recipe. AND i didn’t know about this study.