VISITING ANGELS HOBOKEN, NJ 201-533-1415
Facebook YouTube X
Malnutrition in Senior Health and the Causes

Malnutrition in Senior Health and the Causes

The Coronavirus has affected every person, regardless of age—however, our highly susceptible senior adults have been affected in more than one way. Most seniors have heeded the CDC’s warning of avoiding crowds, thus leaving them unable to go to their grocery store or local farmers market for healthy food. Because of this, the risk of malnutrition has begun to rise. Poor diets and malnutrition is not a new senior health concern; however, it’s become more prevalent due to COVID-19.

A poor diet can often result in decreased immunity as well as malnutrition, regardless of the rate of the virus. With a weak immune system our seniors are at a higher risk for COVID-19; seniors should be indulging in meals that are rich in nutrients and vitamins. With malnutrition there are multiple health issues, such as:  

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Loss of bone density
  • Slow healing wounds
  • Increased risk for falls

Being educated about health risks, such as malnutrition, can help you detect and avoid and possible issues.

Evaluating a Senior’s Risk for Malnutrition

Malnutrition affects seniors for multiple reasons, but the most common reasons are seniors not able to go purchase healthy groceries for themselves, and seniors lacking the ability to plan a nutritious menu themselves. The Mayo clinic expressed that other physical, social, and psychological factor can also contribute to decreased senior health.

  • Physical: When evaluating senior health, consider they may not be eating well due to physical issues. A senior may be struggling to chew their food because their dentures not fit correctly, or maybe they are having a hard time with preparing meals due to struggling to stand for long periods of time or diseases that cause pain while chopping food—such as Parkinson’s disease and arthritis.
  • Social: Meal times are often used as a time to socialize with others, for many seniors that are social distancing for their health and safety, this may be an option. Senior isolation is incredibly tough to go through and only get worse the longer its left undealt with. Cooking for just one may seem pointless to a lonely senior, leaving them to turn to unhealthy, convenient options like fast food or frozen foods. Many of these “easier” foods contain processed ingredients that are low in nutrients and high in sodium.
  • Psychology: Grief, depression, isolation, and loneliness are all other types of mental issues that can affect senior health. Many triggers can off-set a senior’s eating habits, events such as a death or fear of the coronavirus. More often than not, individuals struggling with these psychological issues indulge in unhealthy “comfort foods”, other times they lose their appetite all together.

What Visiting Angels of Hoboken, NJ is doing in Response to Nutrition During COVID-19

If you are concerned about you or a loved one’s senior care, Visiting Angels of Hoboken, NJ is here with a diverse list of care plans that can be customized to fit what you need. We have a team of compassionate caregivers that are available to help monitor senior health and diet.

Call our office at 201-533-1415 for more information on how we are combating malnutrition with our senior clients.

Serving Hoboken, Secaucus, Kearny, North Arlington and Other Hudson County Communities

Visiting Angels HOBOKEN, NJ
50 Harrison St #211A
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone: 201-533-1415
201-222-1986
Fax: 201-222-1985

Serving Hoboken, Secaucus, Kearny, North Arlington and Other Hudson County Communities

Visiting Angels HOBOKEN, NJ
50 Harrison St #211A
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone: 201-533-1415
201-222-1986
Fax: 201-222-1985