The problem of the elderly having a loss of appetite is not something that should be ignored or seen as normal. Because when the elderly do not receive enough nutrients. It will have negative effects on various systems of the body, which can be mainly divided as follows:
- The body lacks nutrients, anemia , and may cause bone mass to become thin.
- The body is weak and the body’s electrolyte balance is imbalanced.
- Decreased muscle mass
- Lowered immunity makes it easier to get infected, slow healing of wounds, and easy to get sick.
- In older adults who also have diabetes, it can cause low blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous.
Guidelines for solving the problem of elderly people having a poor appetite
1. Food
This is one of the most important factors that makes the elderly want to eat. Therefore, preparing food for the elderly is something that the family should give great importance to.
- Adds a sour taste to food, making it feel refreshing when eaten.
- Do not focus on flavors that are too sweet or salty because they can cause various diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease.
- Elderly food should be prepared with all five food groups and contain complete nutrients.
- Since the elderly have weak teeth, the food they eat should be soft and chewy so that the elderly can chew more easily.
- Use spices or herbs in cooking to stimulate the appetite of the elderly, such as kaeng khee lek, kaeng pa, and chicken stir-fried with ginger.
- Eat easily digestible meats such as fish or lean chicken.
And most importantly, the menu should not be monotonous. Having the same menu every day can make the elderly lose their appetite. ufabet http://ufabet999.app There should be variety, such as boiling, stir-frying, currying, or frying, but the food should not be too oily.
2. Loss of appetite due to stress
Stress is another factor that causes the elderly to lose their appetite. Families can solve this problem by talking to and doing activities together with the elderly so that they are not stressed and feel relaxed. Families should set aside time to eat with the elderly often and eat together as a family so that the elderly do not feel lonely having to eat alone.
3. Others
- Side effects of medications that cause the elderly to lose their appetite. Families should observe if the elderly have abnormal symptoms of loss of appetite. They should consult a doctor by showing all medications that the elderly take to the doctor so that the doctor can find the correct treatment method.
- Provide an area where the elderly live that is well-ventilated and not hot and stuffy. The clothes the elderly wear should be light, comfortable, and not stuffy.
- Eat vegetables and fruits and drink water often.