Getting the right nutrition is a crucial part of maintaining optimal health for people of any age. This is especially critical in the case of seniors. Yet, many older individuals are often malnourished and face the risk of deteriorating health conditions due to imbalanced diets.
Getting the right nutrition is a crucial part of maintaining optimal health for people of any age. This is especially critical in the case of seniors. Yet, many older individuals are often malnourished and face the risk of deteriorating health conditions due to imbalanced diets. Older adults that do not receive the right balance of protein, vitamins, and essential calories from their diet can develop a variety of health conditions like weakness in muscles, decreased bone density, longer recovery times, and a higher risk of contracting illnesses, due to a weakened immune system. They may also face sudden weight loss, digestive problems, and fluid accumulation.
In some cases, despite regular tests, many malnutrition cases get overlooked and undiagnosed, leading to increased hospital visits and readmissions. The causes of dietary deficiencies in seniors can vary depending on their health conditions and social factors. Some common causes of malnutrition among seniors are:
Physiological Impairments: Some older adults can experience trouble with chewing and swallowing their food, while some others may have dental problems which prevent them from eating meals with the right nutritional mix.
Lack of appetite: The sense of taste or smell can reduce as seniors age. This can lead to a loss of appetite and decreased interest in consuming any kind of food.
Forgetfulness: Seniors may have memory issues related to age or neurological diseases that can hamper their daily meal routine. Patients who suffer from such ailments may find it difficult to keep track of the meals they consume.
Age-related ailments: Inflammations or infections can also be a possible cause of a reduced appetite. As the body ages, it may find it challenging to absorb the right nutrients into the body.
Medications: Geriatric patients may be under constant medication for chronic conditions like diabetes, increased blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Since most of these illnesses require a strict diet with low sugar, salt, and oil intake, many older adults prefer to skip the meal entirely due to its bland taste.
As an older adult or a care provider for geriatric patients, it is critical to keep track of their daily diet. Meals must be carefully planned, with special attention to the patient’s medical history.
Opting for a premium living facility like Antara Care Homes provides the right environment for seniors of any age to live and thrive. It employs an on-site nutritionist that collaborated with the resident’s healthcare provider, to create specialized meals as per their dietary needs. It houses a 40 member food and beverages team, with expertise in a multitude of cuisines, and is headed by an Executive Chef. All of the food used in the Antara Care Home kitchens are sourced from the local produce supply chain. To learn more about Antara Care Homes, call us at (+91) 9811441111.
