Simple Ways Seniors Can Overcome a Low Appetite
It’s common for some older adults to lose interest in food from time to time. Older adults don’t need as many calories due to slower metabolisms and less physical activity. Other common reasons why older adults experience low appetites include changes in cognition, feelings of loneliness or depression, a decline in mobility, and side effects of medications.
If you are a senior who has been struggling with a low appetite lately, know that you are not alone. It’s common to experience a loss of appetite. However, nutrition is still essential in older age. Every bite must count when seniors struggle to eat. Here are four simple ways seniors can overcome a low appetite.
Exercise Lightly Before Meals
One way seniors can overcome low appetites is to exercise before meals. Exercise causes the body to burn energy. As a result, our appetites kick in to ensure that we replace that energy we just used. If you find yourself struggling to work up an appetite, try going for a walk or doing some light housework before your next meal. Work up an even bigger appetite by participating in a senior fitness class at Uptown Social, Sheboygan’s hub for active seniors.
Plan Ahead
Another way seniors can overcome low appetites is to plan ahead. Plan out a weekly menu, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals. Stick to your favorite dishes, or try something new. As you plan meals, consider ways you can make meal prep even easier. Double recipes so that you can freeze leftovers to reheat at another time. Plan meals with similar ingredients back-to-back so that you can dice all your vegetables at one time, setting aside what you need for tomorrow’s dinner. If you struggle with meal planning and preparation, you might qualify for Fresh Meals on Wheels of Sheboygan County, Inc.
Eat Together
Social isolation and feelings of loneliness can contribute to low appetites in seniors. Seniors can overcome low appetites as a result of feeling lonely by sharing a meal with others. Eating with others is more enjoyable and can increase a senior's appetite by nearly fifty percent. Schedule a weekly lunch date with a friend. Invite the family over for dinner once a week. Enjoy lunch at Uptown Social Cafe and meet someone new. Check out one of the many local senior dining programs available to seniors in the community.
Graze Throughout the Day
Sometimes, the thought of preparing and eating a larger meal is enough to chase away a senior’s appetite. The last way seniors can overcome a low appetite is to graze throughout the day. Eat smaller, snack-sized meals throughout the day instead of the usual three-square meals. The key is to select healthy, nutritious foods as your snacks. Try a hard-boiled egg in the morning, then eat a cup of yogurt an hour later. Snack on fruits and vegetables. Enjoy a cup of soup around lunch. Drink a small nutrient-rich smoothie as an afternoon snack. End the day with cheese and crackers or hummus and carrot sticks. Grazing throughout the day benefits seniors who live alone or who have dementia.
One final way seniors can overcome low appetites is to partner with Visiting Angels Sheboygan. We provide a comprehensive approach to home care that includes meal planning and preparation. Our compassionate caregivers can help you create a menu that appeals to you and work alongside you in the kitchen so that you have healthy meals for the remainder of the week. They can also escort you to the grocery store or do the shopping for you. Additionally, they can enjoy a meal with you, providing you with companionship and social engagement. This is just one of the many ways we are helping seniors thrive in the comfort of their own homes. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 920-221-1000.