Eating Disorders in Seniors
February 20 is the start of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, dedicated to educating individuals about eating disorders and how to seek help and treatment. People often associate eating disorders with young women, but eating disorders can affect individuals of any gender at any age. If there’s an aging loved one in your life who may suffer from an eating disorder, use this time to educate yourself about it and how to help them find help.
What is an eating disorder?
Eating disorders are more than a conscious way of eating. Eating disorders are severe and sometimes fatal conditions that affect a person’s eating behaviors and physical and mental health. Nearly 28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder, and are among the deadliest mental illnesses in the American population.
Some people may not have a diagnosable eating disorder but may exhibit signs of disordered eating. A person with disordered eating may go through phases of restricting calories or purging foods. Some people with disordered eating may develop an eating disorder and should take their condition seriously.
It’s also important to understand that eating disorders are not just about not eating enough food. A person with an eating disorder may overeat, only eat certain foods, or eat inedible objects. It’s a more complex condition than simply not eating enough and being underweight.
What are eating disorders common among seniors?
The three most common eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of these conditions are often overlooked in older adults or contribute to other health conditions. Understanding what they are may help you notice if your loved one is suffering.
- Anorexia nervosa is when an individual is concerned about their body weight and restricts food to keep from gaining weight. Physical signs of anorexia nervosa include brittle nails, thinning hair, and yellowing skin. People may also experience constipation, stomach pains, or bloating.
- Bulimia nervosa is when an individual gets into a cycle of overeating followed by purging. Purging is when someone gets rid of the food they ate, typically by self-induced vomiting or through dietetics.
- Binge Eating is when a person consumes large amounts of food. People with a binge eating disorder frequently eat past the point of fullness or will eat without feeling hungry. They often feel like they are not in control of their eating, which may come with overwhelming feelings of guilt or anger.
What are the dangers of an eating disorder
Food is essential for our bodies. Without the proper nutrients, many organs can not function properly. People with long-term eating disorders may experience various complications without the right nutrients.
- Malnutrition is one of the most common complications associated with eating disorders. It means the body is not getting the nutrients it needs to function. Even people who are seemingly overweight or at a healthy weight may be malnourished if the food they’re eating doesn’t provide nutritional value.
- Organ failure may also occur if the body lacks nutrients. Organs like the liver, heart, and kidneys may stop working, leading to numerous other health complications.
- Individuals with eating disorders often have a higher risk of bone breaks and fractures. Breaks and fractures are especially concerning among older adults who have an increased risk of falling. Without enough calcium and other minerals, bones can become more fragile.
- People with eating disorders also have an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. It’s not unusual for anxiety, depression, and eating disorders to coincide.
How Visiting Angels can help
While Visiting Angels does not specialize in eating disorders, our caregivers can help seniors with challenges in the kitchen, such as cooking and preparing meals, that may be keeping them from eating. In addition to kitchen assistance, our professional caregivers can help with light housekeeping, personal grooming, transportation, and medication reminders.
Our Ravenna office works with seniors in Portage, Geauga, and Southern Cuyahoga counties. If you’d like to learn more about our at-home services, send us a message or call 330.297.2000.