Social factors

• Social circumstances, such as isolation, mean that the elderly person ends up eating alone and often has no desire to cook proper meals for him/herself.
• Food rationing because of difficulties in getting supplies.
• Financial constraints.

Medical reasons

• Chronic organ dysfunction resulting in a poor appetite.
• Multiple medications.
• Abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract, such as constipation or ulcers, may cause a loss of appetite.
• Functional dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) is common among the elderly, particularly those with neurodegenerative disorders. The elderly with dysphagia may have unpalatable modified diets and need assistance with feeding.
• The elderly with dementia may have behavioural and mood symptoms that interfere with food intake, particularly if they are hyperactive (tendency to wander, feel restless or become agitated) or reside in an institution where mealtimes are often scheduled and rushed.

Look out for any of these warning signs:

• Unexpected weight loss of five to 10 per cent over six months
• Loose clothing or jewellery
• Newfound difficulty in getting up from a sitting position, unsteadiness of walking gait and/or repeated falls

Common symptoms of undernutrition include:

• Tiredness, fatigue or apathy
• Longer healing times for wounds
• Loss of fat
• Reduced muscle mass
• Reduced tissue mass

Read on to learn about essential nutrients the elderly need for a balanced diet.

Ref: N18