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Top 5 Ways to Combat Senior Malnutrition

Written by Sarah Stevenson
 about the author
4 minute readLast updated April 11, 2023

Malnutrition is a widespread problem among seniors. As people age, their appetites can change, and certain concerns can make it hard for older adults to get the nutrients they need. Sometimes, a dental problem or chronic condition can make eating difficult. Other times, isolation or depression can put eating nutritious meals on the backburner. Learn the warning signs of malnutrition, and consider the following tips if your loved one isn’t getting the nutrients they need.

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What is senior malnutrition?

Senior malnutrition is all too widespread, but caregivers who are alert to the signs of nutrition problems can help battle this sobering condition.
Malnutrition is not simply a lack of food. It is the failure to get proper nutrition. It can affect people of all ages and weights, and, sadly, it is a pervasive problem among older adults in the U.S. Almost 50% of seniors are malnourished in some way, according to the National Council on Aging.
The consequences of malnourishment are serious, both physically and psychologically. It weakens the immune system, leading to slow healing and increased risk of infection, and it can cause muscle weakness, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Read on to find out more about how senior malnutrition starts, how to recognize the signs, and what you can do to prevent it.

How does malnutrition start?

According to the Mayo Clinic, malnutrition in seniors is usually caused by a combination of issues. Health or dental problems can lead to trouble eating or decreased appetite. Dietary restrictions that have been imposed to manage medical conditions can also make it difficult to get sufficient nutrition. Psychological issues such as isolation and depression contribute to loss of appetite and lack of interest in eating. Lastly, social factors like limited income or inadequate transportation can affect seniors’ access to food.

Let our care assessment guide you

Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation.

Monitoring senior nutrition

It can be difficult to detect malnutrition in older people, but caregivers are in a unique position to keep an eye out for the symptoms.
  • Watch for physical problems. In particular, bruising, weight loss, and dental difficulties can be important signals.
  • Ask seniors about their eating habits. Have their preferences changed?
  • Talk to a doctor about your loved ones’ nutritional needs, and any physical or dental problems that might affect their eating.
  • Check with a pharmacist. They can warn you of the potential for drug-food interactions, or side effects that affect appetite, digestion, or nutrient absorption.
  • Have your visits during mealtime, and not just on special occasions, so you can observe eating habits firsthand.

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Ways to combat malnutrition in seniors

Caregivers can use the following tips to prevent malnutrition in seniors:
  1. Encourage a nutritious and appealing diet. Chopped nuts, nut butters, wheat germ, egg whites, and cheese can be added to meals for an extra nutrient boost. Herbs and seasonings can help increase seniors’ enthusiasm for eating, too.
  2. Plan snacks for extra nutrients between meals.
  3. Make meals social events by visiting your loved ones at mealtime, or by encouraging them to eat with friends or at senior centers.
  4. Help seniors get regular exercise to stimulate the appetite and improve health.
  5. Provide tips and assistance with food savings. Seniors can split the cost of bulk goods with friends or family, and they can seek out restaurants that give senior discounts. If possible, meal delivery services can be a great option, with some offering discounts for seniors.
Of course, it’s always an option to arrange for an in-home caregiver to help monitor your loved one’s nutrition. If your loved one needs extra help with nutrition, it may be time to consider an independent or assisted living community. Our Senior Care Advisors can answer any questions you may have, discuss your loved one’s budget and needs, and help schedule tours with local communities, all at no cost to you.

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Meet the Author
Sarah Stevenson

The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom (of which OurParents is a trademark) and the reader.  Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site.  Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites.