The loss of appetite in elderly patients may have a psychological, physiological, or social basis, and it must be addressed appropriately.
Poor nutrition can lead to serious health consequences, including malnutrition and weakened immune function, emphasizing the need for adequate food intake.
When older adults resist eating, it can be challenging to know what to do. Here are a few tips that might be helpful for dealing with these situations:
Create the irresistible attractiveness of food through flavoring to satisfaction; reduce anxiety and stress in eating; offer small, nutrient-dense meals; and use favorite foods to enhance appetite.
Oral supplements can help bridge the dietary gap for inadequate nutritional intake deficiencies, particularly for refeeding and specific deficiencies.
Engage a healthcare team that includes dietitians and physicians to create individualized nutrition care plans and to attend to medical conditions that may affect appetite.
Caregiving is difficult and requires the caregiver to look for emotional support, take breaks, and maintain a healthy lifestyle not stress properly.
Knowing seniors' nutrition needs helps caregivers develop better planning and successful techniques for enhancing nutrition.