By Jennifer Bradley, Staff Writer
While the above explains noticeable physical side
effects to medication, another issue is the mental
alteration of taste and smell that drugs cause. Many
medications and certain medical conditions themselves
contribute to appetite loss in seniors, simply by
lessening the senses which cause food cravings.
Some medications make foods seem bland and unattractive,
while others may prolong the “full” feeling, decreasing
a loved one’s temptation to eat. This is especially
unhealthy when it affects daily meals, essential for
life and health.
Many people are programmed to naturally take medications
with a glass of water. For seniors whose natural
appetite lessens as they age, this is a way of “filling
up” right before a meal. Karen Chapman-Novakofski, R.D.,
Ph.D., professor of nutrition with the College of
Agriculture and College of Medicine at the University of
Illinois in Urbana offers this trick. “I usually tell
people to talk to their pharmacists or doctors to see if
those medicines could be taken after a meal so that
they’re not full by the time they start eating. That
way, you’re still taking your medication with food, as
the prescription requires, but you’re not spoiling your
appetite.”
Some physical problems are ones a caregiver may not
notice on the outside appearance. A good example of this
is when an aging loved one has chewing and swallowing
difficulties. This can be a result of bad-fitting
dentures, or other issues with their teeth, natural or
false, that prevent easy chewing/swallowing. A loved one
may be embarrassed to say anything about it, or more
common, not even realize that is the issue.
A caregiver should ask questions, without making their
loved one feel embarrassed or unable to care for
themself. A simple fix could be all that’s needed
to make eating much easier and more enjoyable.
Social
Many seniors are without a spouse and thus left to eat
meals solo. They also are prone to eat unhealthy meals,
lacking the energy or care to prepare food. The simple
social aspect a family takes for granted, your loved one
may not. As a caregiver, it’s a good habit to recognize
this, and also that even with a busy lifestyle, it’s
essential to take the time to include a loved one in
family mealtime. It may seem unusual to invite them for
a Wednesday pizza night, but Sunday afternoons are not
the only time they eat! Offer a loved one an invitation
to be a part of the family whenever they are able to.
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