Malnutrition in Seniors: What To “WATCH” For

Did you know that a senior in your life could be at risk of being under- or mal-nourished without you knowing it?  The face of malnutrition is changing. It is no longer a person who does not have enough food to eat or looks like he or she could use more calories in their diet.  It may be the grandmother who, at 83, has an outgoing personality, beautiful smile, not-so slender build, loves to go on walks, and goes out often with friends. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, a growing number of active, independent older adults are malnourished.  Spotting people who are clearly in trouble, those who are losing weight and muscle tone or becoming weak and confused, is not difficult.  The challenge is identifying people who appear nourished, but in reality, are not.

Across the nation, Comfort Keepers^® is using the mnemonic, “WATCH,” to educate families on how to detect and prevent malnutrition in their loved ones.

WATCH stands for:

Watch for physical problems. Look for bruising, dental difficulties, or sudden or sustained weight gain or weight loss. 
Ask seniors about their eating habits. How have their tastes or preferences changed?
Talk to a doctor or registered dietitian. Discuss nutritional needs or problems specific to the loved ones’ unique needs or management of diseases.
Check with a pharmacist. They can warn you of the potential for drug-food interactions.
Have your visits during mealtime. This is the best time to observe eating habits first-hand.

Consequences of Malnutrition

The Mayo Clinic reports that malnutrition puts seniors at risk for a wide variety of health problems, such as:

• A weakened immune system, which can make a senior vulnerable to infections, some life-threatening
• Muscle weakness, which increases the risk for falls and fractures 
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Low red blood cell count (anemia)
• Digestive, lung and heart problems
• Poor skin integrity

In general, malnutrition threatens seniors’ independence and increases the likelihood they will require hospitalization or long-term care.

Causes of Malnutrition in Seniors

The Merck Manual of Health and Aging cites a number of circumstances that contribute to seniors’ increased risk for malnutrition:

• Some medications or interactions between medicines and food may affect absorption of key nutrients; medications also may alter taste, making eating less pleasing
• Diminished appetite related to aging, effects of medications, and certain disorders such as depression can lead seniors to eat less
• Disorders such as a stroke or dental problems can make eating difficult
• Living and eating alone may reduce seniors’ motivation to prepare and eat meals
• Limited funds and difficulty preparing food puts seniors at risk
• Dietary restrictions prescribed to treat medical conditions may make food less appealing

Preventing Malnutrition in Seniors

Once you are aware of the risks and causes of malnutrition in older adults, you can take an active role in reducing and preventing the risk. Remember to always consult a physician before changing your senior's eating habits or exercise programs. Following are suggestions of how to do this:

• Make sure your loved one eats a varied diet that includes fruits and vegetables, protein-rich foods, and high-fiber breads and cereals
• Make meals more appetizing by using spices to replace salt, which may be restricted in your loved one’s diet to control or prevent high blood pressure
• Help your loved one get physical activity, such as before-meal walks, to stimulate appetite.

In addition to educating about WATCH, Comfort Keepers^® franchise offices across the nation launched an initiative called "STOP Senior Hunger," which raises awareness for the need of senior nutrition programs, education, family detection and support.  For more information on senior nutrition, tips for healthy shopping and eating, or for how to find a STOP Senior Hunger event in your community, go to www.stopseniorhunger.com.