There are many reasons why seniors don’t consume enough daily calories. They include depression, illness, loss of sense of taste, and a naturally waning appetite. Reduced cognitive abilities like dementia cause some to merely forget to eat, even if he or she is feeling hungry.
More and more often, the need to keep a watchful eye on a senior’s eating habits falls to family members or caretakers.
Nutritionists advise a number of ways to insure that the elderly folks in your family are consuming the calories that are important to keeping them healthy. Also, if the person in question is slightly overweight and wants to diet, loved ones should be sure that they don’t go too far.
Experts suggest making meals as “social” as possible. Someone who eats with others and not alone, at least a few times a week, is more likely to consume a greater amount of food, especially if they’re out at a restaurant or at someone else’s home. The fact that they don’t physically need to prepare the meal can make all the difference in the world.
For seniors who live alone, easy to prepare foods are necessary for those who just don’t want to cook anymore. Any pre-prepared dishes that can be frozen and later warmed up are very welcome by most members of the older population who live by themselves.
Nursing homes and hospitals often include calorie-laden drinks like Boost or Ensure as part of a senior’s diet plan. These help to not only add calories but also contain essential vitamins for maintaining health.
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By: Keenager News Posted: Jun 27 2006 03:18:17 PM