Gradual weight loss occurs naturally as people age. A senior’s water, fat, and muscle levels decline in small amounts as a result of the aging process. A drop in weight is expected in older adults—however, sudden, unintended, and significant weight loss should be readily addressed.

What is normal weight loss?

Muscle and bone density begin to drop at age 30. The loss of this lean body mass usually goes unnoticed because fat often replaces it. While women stop gaining weight at age 65, men gain weight until age 55 and lose it incrementally as they continue to age.

Seniors 65 and older are expected to lose about 0.2 to 0.4 pounds every year, which is considered normal. Concerns arise when they unintentionally lose 5 percent or more of their body weight every 6 to 12 months. Sudden weight loss can be dangerous and may indicate serious health issues.

Why do seniors lose weight?

A range of social, health, and psychological issues may be responsible for a senior losing significant weight unintentionally. Medical reasons include cancer, stomach ailments, heart problems, and kidney disease. Diabetes and other endocrine disorders can also cause seniors to shed weight.

Psychological problems that are associated with weight loss include depression. Seniors who live alone and experience loneliness may feel less inclined to eat. Consuming meals in the company of others is known to encourage eating—while a lack of social interactions can discourage seniors.

Dementia is a cognitive issue that can contribute to sudden weight loss. An older adult diagnosed with dementia suffers from memory issues. As a result, forgetting how to use the stove to prepare food interferes with the senior’s ability to consume balanced meals.

Other causes of unintended weight loss in older adults are dental issues and medication side effects. Some seniors experience difficulty chewing and swallowing, which reduces their food intake. Medications may cause a loss of appetite. Plus, financial difficulties can limit food purchases.

What are the consequences of weight loss?

Seniors who experience significant, unintended weight loss may increase their risk for developing diseases and shorten their lifespan. Fatigue is a consequence of neglecting to eat nutritiously and losing weight. Feeling fatigued can prevent older adults from engaging in self-care practices.

Self-care practices that demand energy include bathing, dressing, and grooming. Failing to consume enough nutrients through food, seniors do not replenish the energy necessary to perform a range of physical activities, like walking or other forms of exercise, that promote health.

Sudden weight loss contributes to an increased risk for falls and injuries, including bone fractures. Seniors who shed significant weight may also be admitted to the hospital or other facility. In addition to a lower quality of life, these older adults increase their risk for death and disease.

How do seniors maintain a healthy weight?

1. Introduce a Caregiver

Many of the above-mentioned consequences can be averted with extra help at home. Families might serve as or hire a caregiver to support the nutritional needs of their aging loved ones. Professional caregivers shop for fresh groceries and keep the fridge and pantry stocked.

2. Use a Meal Prep Service

Caregivers also prepare balanced meals to ensure the senior consumes enough nutrients and hydration. A caregiver’s daily meal preparation service helps combat unintentional weight loss. If the senior is on a restricted diet, the caregiver follows their dietary plan to promote optimum health.

3. Socialize During Meals

Another benefit of caregivers is the socialization they provide. Caregivers join the elderly at the dining table to provide pleasant companionship and encourage them to eat. Socializing during mealtimes is a natural way to connect and ensures the older adult consumes enough calories.

4. Eat Smaller Meals Frequently

Caregivers also serve smaller meals throughout the day, which can be preferable for seniors who do not enjoy eating three large meals. Aging people might also reach for healthy snacks, such as cheese, nuts, and fruit cups, to keep themselves energized. Full-fat dairy is recommended over non-fat options, too.

5. Eat High-Fat Snacks

Seniors should also keep frozen and canned foods, like vegetables and fruits, readily available. They can reach for these nutrient-rich options at any time. Maintain a healthy weight by consuming high fat yet healthy foods, like avocados. Peanut butter is another recommended high-fat option.

6. Exercise

Exercising regularly is key to stimulating appetite. Seniors are advised to engage in physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week, which amounts to about 30 minutes, five days a week. Chair yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and other low-impact exercises are ideal for older adults.

Elder Home Care from Assisting Hands

Stay socially active to prevent loneliness and social isolation that can lead to eating less. Build strong relationships with friends and family or forge a bond with a compassionate caregiver at Assisting Hands Home Care. Our elder care services promote the overall health and wellness of older adults in Frisco, Plano, Allen, Little Elm, Prosper, TX, and the surrounding areas.

Professional caregivers offer healthy meal preparation services for seniors. We shop for groceries, like fruits and vegetables, and prepare balanced dishes so that seniors eat healthy. Caregivers socialize with seniors at the table to make dining enjoyable and encourage them to eat more.

Additional responsibilities include respectful assistance with hygiene tasks, like dressing, toileting, and bathing. We give timely medication reminders, too. Transportation to the doctor’s office is included and is convenient when seniors need to discuss medication side effects with their health practitioner.

Caregivers assess the home for fall risks to prevent accidents and injuries. We remove clutter and other fall hazards and provide mobility support, so the care recipient feels confident, whether walking through the home or outdoors. Exercise is scheduled into the senior’s routine so they work up an appetite.

Your aging loved one maintains a healthy weight with reliable support from the dedicated caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care in Frisco, Texas. Call us at (214) 609-1340 to schedule a free in-home consult today and learn how quality senior home care services keep the elderly safe, comfortable, and healthy.