A healthy, balanced diet is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. However, many older adults fall into the habit of choosing convenience over quality. Malnutrition is a serious problem, but it often goes overlooked. Our loved ones deserve unconditional support, and a great way to help is to learn how to recognize signs of conditions like malnutrition.
Watch for signs like unexplained weight loss, complaints about fatigue, or decreased mental health. If you notice these in a loved one, it could be malnutrition. This is a serious problem, but with the right approach, you can get your loved one the support they deserve.
The Risks of Malnutrition
Malnutrition in older adults isn’t a temporary problem. If it goes on for too long, it can pose a significant threat. The human body needs a complex mix of vitamins and nutrients to stay healthy, but many diets don’t meet these needs or over-deliver.
This causes a range of physical, behavioral, and mental symptoms that impair your loved one’s quality of life. There are 2 types of malnutrition:
- Undernutrition, where a diet doesn’t contain enough nutrients, vitamins, and substances to maintain health. This develops when a person either doesn’t eat enough or when their diet is largely unhealthy.
- Overnutrition, where the body takes in too much of certain substances–most commonly, fats and carbohydrates. This lack of necessary nutrients develops because the diet doesn’t contain enough protein, vitamins, and minerals.
When an older adult is undernourished, it can weaken the immune system and make it harder to fight infections or illnesses. This condition also affects muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, significantly increasing the risk of falls or fractures.
Meanwhile, overnutrition can lead to an increased risk of conditions like heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and more. This also puts additional strain on joints and muscles to increase the risk of physical harm.
By learning which type of malnutrition is affecting your loved one, you’re taking the first step toward learning how to make a difference in your loved one’s life.
Physical Signs of Malnutrition
Physically, malnutrition presents itself with a host of symptoms that may not seem related at first. These symptoms can be detrimental as they add up, so watch out for:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue and decreased energy levels
- Brittle nails
- Dry, scaly skin
- Poor wound healing
- Dental problems
If you’ve noticed that your loved one is showcasing these signs, it could be malnutrition.
Behavioral Signs of Malnutrition
Behavioral changes often accompany malnutrition, reflecting how deeply nutrition impacts overall well-being. Remember—this condition affects not just the body but also the mind.
Malnutrition can cause:
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Irritability or mood swings
- Decreased interest in usual hobbies
- Anxiety or depression
- Poor mental health
If you’ve noticed your loved one is acting differently, take some time and discuss their diet. Small changes can make a big difference in showing your loved one unconditional love.
Cognitive Signs of Malnutrition
Cognitive health is closely linked to nutrition. Malnutrition can affect the brain, leading to cognitive changes that are challenging for both the individual and their caregivers.
Some symptoms include:
- Memory loss or forgetfulness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion or disorientation
- Decreased mental alertness
These can easily be mistaken for age-related cognitive changes, but they can be a significant problem. If you’ve noticed your loved one’s cognitive health is in decline, it’s time to take action.
How to Address Malnutrition in Older Adults
Tackling malnutrition can be complicated, but it’s worth it—your loved one deserves unconditional love and support. You’ll need to start by identifying what’s causing their malnutrition, making a plan, and committing to making a difference in their life.
First, it’s essential to encourage balanced, nutrient-rich meals. Try incorporating a variety of:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Lean proteins
- Whole grains
These are the foundation of a nutritious diet, and can easily be worked into dozens of different meals. If meal preparation is daunting, consider making it a shared activity. Remember, every small change counts, and infusing a little creativity into meals can go a long way.
Don’t forget to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian. They can provide personalized advice and suggestions based on your loved one’s specific needs and preferences. This partnership helps you create a customized plan to support your loved one.
Above all, patience and empathy are key. Though progress might be gradual, with love and consistent efforts, you can make a significant difference in your loved one’s health—just like they deserve.
Let Our Community Help
Recognizing and addressing malnutrition in older adults is a vital part of caregiving. Your loved one deserves a life full of love and care in a place where they can celebrate life every day. And our team at Parsons House Cypress is ready to help your loved one with their everyday activities. With our team at your loved one’s side, we can make a difference.
In our community, we believe in serving our elders, and we know how to help. Book a tour with us today, or contact our team to learn more!