Malnutrition is a common condition in the elderly. Ageing increases older adults’ metabolism rate, decreasing the food portion size and leading to weight loss and malnutrition. Especially older people with diseases often do not want to eat meals and frequently skip the meals which cause less nutrition in them. To look after that, our caretakers for the elderly in Chennai take care of their food portions, plan their diet, and ensure that they have their food in time with the correct portion sizes.
Although malnutrition is common among older people, it can go undetected for extended periods and often presents overlooked symptoms. When the body does not get the proper number of vitamins, nutrients, minerals, etc., it needs to manage optimal health; malnutrition leads to problems in all organs, making the elderly particularly vulnerable. There is an increasing incidence of malnutrition among the elderly, which has been attributed to side effects of medications, difficulty chewing and swallowing, lack of social environment, memory problems, changes in taste and smell and other factors. Our home attendants for the elderly in Chennai also take care of medication management, Nutritional diet. For older people with dementia, stroke and other diseases, our home attendants also feed them food.
The effects of malnutrition are pervasive:
It leads to a reduction in muscle strength, and while muscle mass is naturally lost because of ageing, it is exacerbated by malnutrition. Loss of mobility can make participating in daily activities more difficult and increase the risk of falls.
The immune system immediately deteriorates when the body is deprived of nutrients, meaning it cannot fight off infection and speed recovery.
Organs are also directly affected as they rely on nutrients and minerals to function, and any deficiency can be harmful. Diet also plays a role in mental health, so that malnutrition can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Malnutrition is often considered an ordinary sign of ageing, making early intervention difficult. Here are some symptoms to look up for:
Decreased appetite
Your loved one may show disinterest in food, and there may be a noticeable reduction in the amount of food they eat.
Fatigue
Because the body needs food for energy, a natural result of malnutrition is fatigue and lethargy. A lack of specific vitamins and minerals in the diet, such as iron, can also lead to fatigue.
Weight Loss
Look for rapid weight loss in a brief period: Research shows that an unintentional weight loss of 5 to 10 per cent over three to six months can signify malnutrition. It can also be seen when clothing or jewellery comes loose.
Mood Swings
Again, not getting energy and nutrients can lead to unexplained mood swings, apathy, and irritability.
Weakness
More difficult to spot, look for signs of weakness in daily activities. It can also weaken your grip when holding something or getting out of breath more easily.
Increased Recovery Time
As mentioned above, the body fuels recovery nutrition and when these vital nutrients and minerals are lacking, wound healing takes longer, or the infection lasts longer. Some deficiencies also lead to topical problems such as inflammation and ulcers around the mouth or weak and brittle hair. Malnutrition can also lead to chronic diarrhoea, a sign that the body is not absorbing nutrients.
That could indicate malnutrition, but if you think your loved one is showing symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Then they will carry out the necessary tests and mark the way forward.
Improving Nutrition
Mealtime strategies can help older adults eat healthily. Good eating habits should include:
Nutritious foods:
Plan for delicious meals with various foods, including fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains.
Herbs and spices:
Build enthusiasm for food and add flavour to dishes with herbs and spices.
Healthy Snacks: Have nutritious snacks available between meals, such as low-fat dairy products, fruit, or vegetables.
Nutrient supplements:
You can drink supplemental nutritional drinks to increase the calories in your daily diet. Add whey powder or egg whites to meals to boost protein without adding saturated fats.
To encourage healthy eating at home, you can: Introduce more high-energy, high-protein foods into your loved one’s diet; make them understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle and eating
regular, but not significant, meals throughout the day; stay hydrated; Keep a supply of ready meals ready; they can be frozen for easy access later by your loved ones.
At our senior care services, we produce a wealth of free health information to help seniors lead healthier, happier lives. We provide the best caretakers for the elderly in Chennai to look after all the changes mentioned earlier in your elders’ lifestyle. It was created through independent research by our team. This information does not replace medical advice. Call us and get a home attendant for the elderly in Chennai and prevent your parents from going through malnutrition.
