When we talk about anorexia in older people, we are not referring to a psychological disorder such as anorexia nervosa, but to the total loss of appetite, which can be a consequence of physical, emotional factors or associated with other health problems. Anorexia in older people is often underestimated. However, if not addressed in time, this problem can lead to malnutrition, constipation, and other serious complications. Hence the importance of knowing the symptoms, the causes and knowing how to help a person with anorexia, even more so if you have a loved one in this situation.
Causes of anorexia in older people
Loss of appetite in older adults is multifactorial and can be due to different causes:
1 – Physiological aspects
Among the physiological aspects is, for example, the loss of the sense of taste and smell, which reduces the palatability of foods. In addition, there is less gastric accommodation in older people, which generates a feeling of satiety.
Conditions such as xerostomia (dry mouth), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or poorly fitting dentures can also make eating difficult, generating a refusal to eat.
It must also be taken into account that changes in diet forced by an illness, such as low-salt, low-fat or low-sugar foods, can cause the person to lose interest in food and not feel like it or find the menu boring.
It must be taken into account that changes in diet can also occur because the elderly person resorts to simpler diets, especially if they live alone and do not have the capacity to prepare them, or because they have lower purchasing power, and settle for cheaper diets with less nutritional quality.
2 – Chronic diseases
If the elderly person suffers from oncological pathology or digestive pathology, it is common for there to be a decrease or absence of appetite.
3 – Emotional factors
Depression and sadness, often caused by loneliness or the loss of loved ones, is one of the main causes of anorexia in older people.
4 – Side effects of medications
Certain drugs can decrease appetite or cause gastric discomfort. A dose adjustment or a change in medication may be enough to reverse the problem.
5 – Lack of mobility
Another cause of anorexia in older adults is physical inactivity, since, as the body’s energy needs are reduced, a decrease in appetite can be observed.
Symptoms of anorexia in older people
Anorexia in older people is the total absence of appetite, but hyporexia can also occur, which is a partial decrease in appetite. Both terms are not easy to distinguish, since appetite is difficult to measure, which is why they are sometimes considered synonyms. In both cases, the most common symptoms are:
- Reduction in food intake.
- Lack of interest in food or rejection of food.
- Noticeable weight loss without the intention of wanting to lose weight.
- Weakness, tiredness or extreme fatigue.
- Difficulty carrying out daily activities due to malnutrition and fatigue.
And what consequences do anorexia and hyporexia entail?
If hyporexia or anorexia in older people continues over time, it can cause nutritional deficiency in micronutrients such as, for example, anemia or vitamin deficiency (mainly vitamins A and D, calcium, folates and magnesium) and, what is more serious, malnutrition. Malnutrition is associated with loss of muscle mass and, with it, a greater risk of falls, lower immunological capacity and greater increase in fragility.
Another important consequence of anorexia in older people is that lower food intake causes a lack of waste, which facilitates constipation, with its consequent repercussions for the person’s health.
How to help older people with anorexia?
Addressing anorexia in older people requires a comprehensive strategy that may include:
- Medical evaluation: It is important to identify the main cause, whether physical, psychological or pharmacological, in order to prescribe the most appropriate treatment.
- Modify habits around eating: prevent the person from being distracted during meals, let them take their time eating or take advantage of the moment when they are most hungry to present food, are small changes in habits that can help increase food intake.
- Modify the content of meals: it is advisable for the elderly person with anorexia to eat several small meals a day. As far as possible, it is a good idea to offer foods that he or she most craves, and try to ensure that they are at room temperature, so that they do not burn or are cold, and that the elderly person does not reject these foods. It may also be convenient to incorporate foods that are easy to consume and have high nutritional density, that is, they nourish more.
- Adjustment of medications: If drugs are the cause of anorexia in older people, it is advisable to adjust the doses or change the treatment.
- Encourage physical activity: Even if it is a mild activity, exercise can stimulate appetite and improve overall well-being.
- Emotional support: Creating a warm social environment and accompanying the elderly person during meals can reduce the feeling of isolation and promote interest in food.
Wellness and nutrition:
Nutrition and food are fundamental priorities for the comprehensive care of our residents. Our expert team designs balanced menus adapted to the individual needs of each adult. In addition, we have specific programs that combine medical care, emotional support and activities designed to improve general well-being and stimulate appetite, helping our seniors stay active and socially connected.
Older people in our residences enjoy a warm social environment, where meals are moments of meeting and motivation. This comprehensive approach not only prevents malnutrition, but also promotes recovery.
If you want more information about anorexia in older people and how we can help them. Do not hesitate to contact us and learn about our centers and treatment plans.
