You might read a lot about the negative health effects of being overweight, but if your aging loved one is underweight, she also could be affected by negative health consequences. That’s why maintaining a healthy weight is so important.
Some seniors may be underweight because they have always been so, but others become underweight as they age due to a variety of reasons. It can be as simple as she’s not as hungry anymore, but can also be related to other serious health issues. It’s important that if your loved one has experienced a recent weight loss, you should make an appointment to determine the cause.
If low weight has been a consistent issue that is not related to another serious health issue, then you can begin working with your loved one to help her increase her weight into a more healthy range. You might find asking for the help of your senior home care team as well can be beneficial, especially when they help with things such as shopping or preparing meals.
Here are three areas your loved one can consume more calories throughout the day without having to force feed:
Choose Calorie-Dense Foods
Your loved one is probably not going to want to eat a 10-oz steak, mashed potatoes, vegetables, a buttered roll, and dessert for each meal. With a decreased appetite, she simply cannot eat that much and feel well so instead, it’s important to look at what she does eat and see if you can help her make it more calorie-dense. This does not mean choosing high-fat, high-calorie foods though. She will not get to live off of cake and ice cream.
Instead, when shopping with her senior home care provider, she should look at buying healthy, calorie-dense snacks and add-ons. If she likes oatmeal in the morning, adding some nuts on top or chia seeds can increase her calorie intake without making her feel overly full. Adding slide avocado to salads or sandwiches is a great way to get some healthy fats added to her diet.
Add Nutrient- and Calorie-Rich Drinks
Your loved one may only want black coffee, but adding some calories and nutrients to what she drinks each day is a great way to increase her calorie intake and hopefully bring her weight up. Smoothies and milkshakes can be a fabulous way to add in some extra calories. Have the senior home care provider put in a protein powder and they are extra packed with what your loved one needs.
Eat Smaller Meals More Often
It might help your senior to eat more if she eats smaller portions more often. Instead of getting weighed down with a heavy lunch, break it into two smaller meals, one before normal lunchtime, and one between lunch and dinner. Have her choose high-protein foods like Greek yogurt or a charcuterie board to get food that benefits her body.
Rely on the Help of Senior Home Care
Gaining weight when you’re underweight can be just as difficult as losing weight so be patient and supportive as your loved one attempts to make more healthy food choice decisions. When you can’t be there to help your senior implement these changes, senior home care can. A caregiver can prepare healthy yet filling meals that can include additional calories for weight gain.
Source
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-to-know-about-malnutrition-in-older-adults
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care Elizabeth, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Adult Alternative Home Care today. (888) 664-1769
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