Eat well so you can live well

Malnutrition in adults older than 65 often goes underdiagnosed and can lead to other health issues, such as a weakened immune system and muscle weakness.

There are a number of causes of malnutrition, including a senior’s forgetting to eat, depression, alcoholism, dietary restrictions, reduced social contact and limited income.

Aging is accompanied by physiologic changes that can negatively affect nutritional status.

Sensory impairment, such as decreased sense of taste and smell, that occurs with aging may result in reduced appetite.

Poor oral health and dental problems can lead to difficulty chewing, inflammation and a diet that is poor in quality, all of which increase the risk of malnutrition.

Progressive loss of vision and hearing, as well as osteoarthritis,

may limit mobility and impede an elderly person’s ability to shop for food and prepare meals.

Energy needs decrease with age, but nutritional needs remain relatively unchanged, which can increase the risk of malnutrition.

The causes of malnutrition might seem straightforward—too little food or a diet lacking in nutrients.

In reality, though, malnutrition is often caused by a combination of physical, social and psychological issues and environmental changes, such as isolation, loneliness, depression and inadequate finances. These affect dietary intake, ultimately impacting nutritional status. Here are some of the ways to combat the causes of malnutrition in the elderly:

■ Encourage nutritious and appealing diet options. Restore life to bland food and make a restricted diet more appealing by using lemon juice, herbs and spices. If loss of taste and smell is a problem, experiment with seasonings and recipes.

■ Plan snacks for extra nutrients between meals. A piece of fruit or cheese, a spoonful of peanut butter or a fruit smoothie can provide nutrients and calories.

■ Make meals social events. By visiting your loved ones at mealtime you can observe their eating habits and also spend time with them during meals at home, not just on special occasions. If your loved one lives alone, invite him or her for dinner. If your loved one is in a hospital or long-term care facility, visit during mealtimes.

■ Encourage regular physical activity: Daily exercise, even if it’s light, can stimulate appetite and strengthen bones and muscles.

■ Consider outside help: If necessary, hire a home health aide to shop for groceries or prepare meals. Also consider home-delivered meals and other community services, including home visits from nurses and registered dietitians. Your local Area Agency on Aging or a county social worker also might be helpful.

The Ark-Tex Area Agency on Aging provides nutritious meals at all senior centers in the community, and also hosts an array of activities for seniors to participate in together.

The agency also provides nourishing home-delivered meals for seniors, and transportation to nutrition sites is available through our TRAX Transportation Service. Please contact our offices for more information on our senior center locations by calling 1-800-372-4464, or visit us at The Ark-Tex Council of Government offices at 4808 Elizabeth St., Texarkana, Texas.

Remember: Identifying and treating nutrition issues early can promote good health, independence and increased longevity. Take steps now to ensure your loved one’s nutrition is at its best.