FOOD & DRINK A HEALTHY BALANCE


Abbots Care has collaborated with Dr Claire Merrifield from Selph to provide valuable advice on how to support an elderly person with eating and maintaining weight.


As people age, they face an increased risk of unintentional weight loss due to various factors such as decreased appetite, altered taste and smell, and changes in metabolism.


Maintaining a healthy weight is key to fighting off infections, weight loss or a low appetite can lead to tiredness, depression and a lack of energy which may make elderly people more likely to suffer from infections such as colds or flu.


Almost a third of over 60s – equivalent to 4.2 million - have recently cut back on food or groceries due to the cost-of- living crisis. The implications of weight loss in the elderly are profound, potentially leading to weakened immunity, reduced muscle strength, and an increased risk of falls and fractures. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for the overall health and quality of life in older adults.


There are many factors that affect appetite and we know that it’s common for older people to have a decreased appetite as they age. Older adults tend to have a reduced activity level, which reduces appetite.


There is a phenomenon called sensory-specific satiety, which means that when a particular food is eaten to the point of feeling full, that specific food becomes less pleasant than other foods which have not been eaten. So, if an older person has quite a bland meal with limited variety, they are likely to feel full and stop eating sooner than if they had a meal with more variety.


People who live alone, have been widowed or are in care homes with food that they do not enjoy tend to eat less. Improving the physical ambience of the eating environment, finding a way for people to eat together and in a more enjoyable setting can be important in maintaining adequate food intake.


TOP TIPS TO ENCOURAGE THE ELDERLY


TO EAT Sensory appeal: Try and ensure the food offered has sensory appeal, so it looks brightly coloured and interesting with a variety of textures. Even if there is less perceived flavour it may


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be more interesting to eat. Eating a more mediterranean style diet with lots of fruit and veg is associated with healthy ageing.


Present a varied plate of food: This should prevent sensory- specific satiety and promote greater food intake.


Encourage movement: Even if a person can’t walk or mobilise easily, there are plenty of exercises and movements that can be done seated. Exercise and movement, however small, will improve mood, cognition and appetite.’


Dental check: Ensure your client or loved one has had a recent dental check and that there are no issues with dental hygiene or dentures that might affect how painful it is to chew.


Ambience: See if the ambience and atmosphere of meal-times can be improved. Older people who eat alone in front of the television or have poor ambience tend to eat less. Is there a way mealtimes can become more enjoyable and sociable? People tend to eat more when they are feeling happy, and improving the atmosphere of meal-times in nursing homes has been shown to improve the nutritional status of residents.


Katy Huby, Community Nurse Assessor from Abbots Care, said: “Any unintentional weight loss is concerning. However, it's not always easy to spot. Look for things like dentures and rings becoming loose, clothes which previously fit looking baggy, or a decrease in energy and enthusiasm.


Be mindful; talking about weight loss can be a sensitive topic for many people. Instead of focusing on the physical aspect, consider asking people how they are feeling. Unintentional weight loss can follow on from things that have had an emotional impact, such as bereavement, increasing loneliness, or an increase in anxiety or depression. By allowing them to open up, you may discover a reason for the weight loss, or any additional symptoms they may be suffering from. If you feel it is appropriate, encourage them to make an appointment with a GP.


https://abbotscare.com www.selph.co.uk


www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


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