Malnutrition is not only just about inadequate meal consumption. It is also about not receiving enough nutrients from the food your loved ones consume. This means that even though you may be consuming enough meals each day, you can also suffer from malnutrition if the foods consumed are not providing you with a sufficient amount of proteins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins. Without these proper nutrients, one may not have enough energy to last through the whole day, as well as not have enough necessary nutrients for bodily functions.
In the case of the elderly, malnutrition is more concerning for them, especially for individuals with chronic diseases or dementia. When elderly individuals become malnourished, they can be prone to suffering from varying health problems. Among these problems, they may face muscle weakness, fatigue, memory problems, unintentional weight loss, weakened immune system and more. They may also face trouble going about their daily lives, become ill, or get into accidents that leave them injured.
The question would then be: How can we help to keep malnutrition at bay from seniors? Read on as we address and share three methods to prevent malnutrition in the elderly in this article.
Consuming Snacks High in Nutrients
Consuming snacks in between each meal is a good option to help your loved ones receive more nutrients. Whether it is smoothie, fruit or yogurt, snacks can provide an additional boost of energy for your family members.
Engage in Regular Exercise
When your loved ones exercise on a daily or frequent basis, this will help to strengthen their bones and muscles, as well as stimulate their appetite. This does not mean partaking in vigorous exercise that can hurt themselves. Light exercises such as walking are sufficient and also beneficial for stimulation of appetite.
Make Eating into a Social Setting
If you make your loved one’s mealtime into a social setting, this will make it more enjoyable and encourage others to partake in the event too. Invite your elderly loved one over a nice dinner with family and friends to make mealtimes more fun for them. You can even head out to a restaurant and bring your loved one along, where they may also likely be able to enjoy a senior discount for their meal!
Hire Help for Homecare
Some seniors may have difficulty cooking for themselves, are unwilling to go grocery shopping or cook for themselves or may not be able to prepare their own meal without putting themselves in a dangerous situation. If such situations arise, you may have to consider receiving support from the senior care service.
Senior Living Programs at Discovery Village At Alliance Town Center
There are many other ways you can help your loved ones stay nourished and consume a more balanced and healthy diet to stay healthy. This is especially important for your loved ones who are staying alone by themselves since they have to be physically fit to take care of their own needs. If you are concerned for your family members living in isolation, Discovery Village At Alliance Town Center provides a variety of senior living options your loved ones can choose to live in, depending on their level of care needed. Contact Discovery Village At Alliance Town Center to learn more about our programs today!
