Many of us associate the
words “eating disorder” with teenagers, but research indicates that an
increasing number of older people
are being diagnosed with eating disorders too.
Obesity is an eating
disorder. We all know, from the many
articles written, that people seem to be getting fatter all the time. The topic
is addressed often, but the focus is usually on children and young adults. On the opposite end of the spectrum is extreme weight loss. Many older seniors
are “too thin.” The gaunt starving features of a youngster are readily
noticeable, but a thin older person gets lost in the crowd. A certain amount of weight loss is expected
as a person ages and as a result it is often overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Older people aren’t as
conscious of weight fluctuations because they have gotten over the idea that
“who they are” is dependent on a number on the scale. On the other hand, a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition
are more important than ever. It makes you wonder why so many older people
refuse to eat.
It isn’t unusual to hear the
words “I’m full,”” I feel sick,” or “I have no appetite.” If you are saying or hearing these words from
a friend or family member, it is time to investigate. It is important to evaluate why older people
are restricting their food intake.
Illness may reduce appetite,
and certain medications have been known to blunt taste and smell. Food restriction may be due to psychological
issues, medical problems, or a combination of both. Older adults often experience unsettling
changes in their lives, and controlling food may be their way of coping with
stress. Beyond that, refusing food may
be away of asserting control over something – food intake. Refusing food may be a way of gaining
attention or even a passive effort of committing suicide.
Malnutrition
in older adults can be a symptom of a physical or psychological illness, but it
could be something as simple as not having nutritious meals readily available. However, problems with food could indicate
boredom, anxiety, anger, loneliness, shame or sadness. Malnutrition is a
serious illness, especially if the person is already battling health problems. Early problem solving of unexplained weight
loss is vital.
The knee jerk reaction is to
introduce supplemental drinks into the picture, which is not a bad thing, but
try to dig a little deeper. Malnutrition
is often a symptom rather than a disease entity in its own right and a
professional diagnosis is necessary. The
true treatment is to get to the root of the problem, to understand where it
comes from, what purpose it serves and what to do about it. A treatment plan will be implemented that
will likely include frequent meals and snacks, nutritious drinks and having
nutritious meals readily available.
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