Do you have a loved one who has rapidly lost weight? Was it intentional or unintentional? Did they lose too much? These questions and many more may need to be asked/answered if you have a parent or other loved one who is getting up in years and is causing concern by their eating habits (or lack thereof). If too many pounds have been shed, intentional weight gain for elderly individuals may be a necessary step.
Many people, throughout their lives, battle constantly with their bathroom scale. Some are forever dieting, trying to shed a few extra pounds. However, as they age, shedding too many pounds for some individuals can be worrisome. There can be many causes of weight loss in older adults. If without even trying, 4% to 5% of someone’s weight has been shed, and they are getting up in years, it’s important to find out why.
Does your aging loved one need to gain weight and restore healthy eating habits? Here are some tips.
Experiment with Flavors
If you vary older adults’ food options, gaining weight could be easier. In your loved one’s meals, experiment by using bold flavors. Maybe they’d like some cinnamon in their yogurt or garlic in their omelet. Keeping it interesting and flavorful gives them something to look forward to.
Find Out If Their Appetite is Affected By Certain Health Conditions
Some people might stop eating or lose weight as a result of side effects of a particular health condition. If this is the case, treating the health condition will likely help solve the problem of weight loss.
Protein Intake Should Be Increased
Foods high in protein help the body with muscle building and maintenance. They can also have a weight impact. Try full-fat versions of cheese, nut butter, yogurt, and more.
High-Calorie Foods Loaded
Remember all those foods you avoided when you were young because you were afraid they had too many calories? It’s time to throw that philosophy out the window. The more calories now, the better (if weight loss is a problem). There are healthy foods that are also high in calories out there. Look for those that have the most positive impact on the health of your loved one. Example: full-fat cheese.
Increase Exercise
This may seem counterproductive, especially if someone is trying to gain weight, but exercising can increase the appetite. People tend to feel less hungry the more sedentary their life is. Throughout the day, help your loved one to get moving. To stimulate their appetite, about an hour before meals, schedule a workout of sorts (this can even be something as simple as taking a walk). Chair exercises can be done by those having problems with mobility.
Make It Possible for Them to Enjoy Meals Again
If your loved one has stopped eating regularly, they may rapidly lose weight. But why aren’t they eating? It could be that they simply don’t enjoy it anymore. They don’t like to eat alone, it’s just too much trouble, they don’t want to cook, and the list goes on. Try to make dining enjoyable or fun for them. Even if you don’t dine with them, sit with them and chat while they eat. Make sure that healthy meals are prepared for them.
One of the best ways to start enjoying healthy meals again if you are an aging adult (who could use a little extra care or a safer environment) is to check out Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe.
At Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe, you can once again enjoy the experience of healthy meals and dining with friends in style! With chef-prepared meals according to health needs and/or restrictions, and so much more, we are focused on properly caring for our residents.
If you’d like to take a tour of our community, we have a convenient tour form you can use to schedule one. Contact us today to find out more.
