Weight fluctuations can occur throughout the senior years as a person experiences changes in his or her diet and health. Digestive disorders, medication side effects, and a lack of interest in eating are just a few common reasons seniors have difficulty maintaining their weight. While it may be easy to simply write these changes off as a normal part of aging, it’s important for seniors and their family caregivers to understand the very serious effects that can occur from sudden weight loss.
Increased Risk for Illness and Injury
An unplanned drop in a senior’s weight can often signal a nutritional deficiency, either due to an inability of the body to absorb enough nutrients or because the senior isn’t eating a well-rounded diet. Nutritional deficiencies can the risk of becoming ill or injured and lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, and constipation.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. San Diego Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Altered Reactions to Medications
Doctors must take into account a senior’s weight and height when prescribing many medications. Drastic changes in weight can alter how the body reacts to these medications. This can lead to overdosing on certain medications or experiencing more severe side effects that could lead to further health problems.
Home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Changes to Mental Wellbeing
Nutrition plays a critical role in a senior’s mental health and cognition. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and confusion, sometimes so severely the symptoms are mistaken for dementia. Seniors who face difficulty with memory loss may also experience more severe lapses following a major change in their weight. When a senior experiences unplanned weight loss, it’s important to identify the underlying reason for the change. Often, simple strategies such as preparing flavorful meals and dining together can boost a senior’s interest in eating and prevent unplanned weight loss.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted San Diego home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Reach out to us today to learn more and schedule a free consultation.
