With the holidays coming up, you may be thinking about family gatherings and festive meals focused on favorite foods and traditions. But what about the rest of the year? Are your family members – particularly senior loved ones – getting proper nutrition on an everyday basis? While holiday meals could be an exception, many seniors quietly struggle with malnutrition for many different reasons. The first step to helping older loved ones stay nourished and healthy year-round is learning about the obstacles they could be facing to good senior nutrition.

Health Issues and Medications

For a lot of older adults, chronic health conditions and the medications used to treat them play a substantial role in their battle with malnutrition. Conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, or digestive disorders can limit food consumption or lower the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. Additionally, medications commonly prescribed for these ailments could have negative effects such as a decreased appetite, altered taste, or nausea, which can result in a lack of desire for food.

In some cases, mental health conditions like depression or anxiety also contribute to malnutrition. When senior loved ones are feeling emotionally overwhelmed or isolated, they may not have the drive to prepare meals or eat regularly. Addressing both mental and physical health issues is very important to make sure older adults can maintain proper nutrition.

Grief and Other Complications From Losing a Spouse

The loss of a husband or wife can have a deep 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 might not have been the main cook in the home. After losing a significant other, they may not have the skills or experience needed to cook on their own, resulting in reliance on processed or convenience foods that lack the necessary nutritional elements.

Grief and loneliness can further exacerbate this dilemma. Meals that were once enjoyed with someone the person cared about now feel empty, and the motivation to make healthy, balanced meals diminishes. With time, this can lead to poor eating habits and nutritional deficiencies. Ensuring your loved one has support in learning to prepare simple, nutritious meals or arranging for meal deliveries can help relieve these challenges.

Mobility and Transportation Barriers

Access to healthy food also is a significant barrier that numerous elderly individuals face. Mobility limitations, like arthritis or balance issues, can make it challenging for seniors to make it to the supermarket or carry heavy bags of groceries. People who reside in rural areas or no longer drive might also have trouble with transportation, making it difficult to obtain fresh, healthy food on a consistent basis.

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

The Importance of Support and Resources to Good Senior Nutrition

So what can you do if you suspect an older loved one is struggling to maintain proper nutrition?

• Check out the MyPlate for Older Adults for helpful recommendations.
• Address any underlying issues by scheduling a checkup with the physician.
• Understand the signs: weight loss, weakness, or an absence of interest in food.

One of the better ways to help is by contacting Traditions Home Health Services. Our team can:

• Provide transportation and accompaniment to buy groceries (or take care of grocery shopping for the person).
• Share in mealtimes so that they are more pleasurable.
• Plan and prepare nutritious and delicious meals.
• And much more!

Give us a call at 617-376-3711 any time to learn more about our in-home care services in Boston, North Shore, South Shore, and the surrounding areas in Eastern Massachusetts, with live-in care services available throughout New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts.