Aging Parents and Loss of or Change in Appetite
Exploring the Urge for Sweet and Salty Foods in Elderly Parents and How to Respond
Hey Friends!
Do you have a Bojangles or Arby’s restaurant near you?
Later in my mother’s life she often had her daytime caretakers go to one of these two fast food places and get her either 2 ham biscuits or 2 jalapeno roast beef sliders.
Don’t get me wrong, they’re good BUT loaded with salt and high in fat. Not something that should be consumed on a daily basis.
I can’t tell you how many stories I have heard from clients about the complaints they get from their aging parents when it comes to a change or loss in appetite. They claim food “doesn’t taste right” or “it just doesn’t taste good”.
The secret has to do with the decline in smell and taste sensitivity as people age. Not only is it part of the natural aging process BUT certain medications and illness can impact the smell and taste.
Really? Yes! they aren’t just being ornery and hard headed!
Unfortunately as a caretaker you worry about their poor diet!
Your parents may become very frail because nothing tastes good or maybe your parents are gaining weight because they are gorging on sweet, salty or fatty foods hoping it will taste better.
It seems like most caretakers fall into one of 2 camps…
“Let ‘em eat whatever they want they’re old” (Generally no conflict here with Mom or Dad)
“They can’t eat this way it’s not good for them” (Often lots of conflict with Mom or Dad)
GUESS WHAT? It doesn’t have to be either/or. Poor nutrition impacts their physical health, mental health and behavior so “let ‘em eat whatever they want” has a negative impact.
At the same time insisting that they “eat healthy” will wreck your relationship and they’ll start lying and sneaking food.
All this talk of food is making me crave a snack… Luckily, I have just the thing!
My “Self-Care Snacks” are a healthy way to add self-care into your day, even when you’re on-the-go. If you have 5-10 minutes, you have time for a “snack”!
Ok now let’s think about how you can come up with a system for balancing their food options.
Since we know that there is a decline in taste and smell as your parents age then ramp up the smell and taste without all the processed ingredients…How?
More aromatic and pungent spices and foods. A quick google search will give you some recipes but here are a few ideas.
Enhance macaroni and cheese with some garlic or onion powder to give it more kick. Add nutmeg or cinnamon to cereal to give it a flavorful boost. Here is a quick list of other food enhancers…
peppermint
basil
oregano
red pepper
cinnamon
garlic
lemon juice
vinegar
Read More About Aging and Loss of Appetite (or Other Changes in Food Preferences)
As your parents age, their bodies will undergo numerous changes, and one area significantly affected is sensory perception. Among these changes, alterations in taste and smell can have a profound impact on an individual's overall quality of life.
Taste Changes in the Elderly
The decrease in taste can be attributed to a variety of factors, including a decrease in the number of taste buds, changes in saliva composition, and a decline in the sense of smell which has a direct impact on perception of taste.
One of the most noticeable taste changes is a reduced sensitivity to sweet and salty flavors, while bitter tastes may become more pronounced. As a result, older adults may find themselves adding more sugar or salt to their food to compensate for the diminished taste perception. This can lead to potential health concerns, such as increased sodium intake or excessive sugar consumption.
Smell Changes in the Elderly
The sense of smell also undergoes changes with age. The aging process affects the olfactory system, resulting in a decreased ability to detect and distinguish scents. This decline in smell sensitivity, known as anosmia or hyposmia, can lead to a loss of interest in food, reduced appetite, and difficulty identifying spoiled or contaminated food.
Smell changes can have a profound impact on the overall dining experience. The aroma of a meal plays a crucial role in our perception of taste, and without the ability to detect scents fully, the enjoyment of food can be significantly diminished. This can lead to malnutrition and weight loss among the elderly, as they may lose interest in eating altogether.
Taste and Smell Challenges Facing the Aging Population
The taste and smell changes experienced by the elderly pose several challenges that can affect their overall well-being. Some of these challenges include:
Nutritional Deficiencies: Reduced taste and smell sensitivity can lead to a lack of interest in food, resulting in poor dietary choices and potential nutritional deficiencies. This can impact an individual's overall health and exacerbate existing medical conditions.
Social Isolation: Enjoying meals with friends and family is a social activity that brings people together. However, when taste and smell changes occur, elderly individuals may avoid social gatherings involving food, leading to feelings of isolation and withdrawal from social interactions.
Medication Side Effects: Certain medications commonly prescribed to older adults can further impair taste and smell perception, compounding the existing challenges. This can create a vicious cycle where medications affect sensory perception, leading to changes in eating habits, which in turn can impact medication effectiveness and overall health.
Strategies to Alleviate Taste and Smell Challenges of Your Aging Parents
While taste and smell changes are an inevitable part of the aging process, there are several strategies that can help reduce the challenges faced by your elderly parents:
Enhancing Flavors: Adding herbs, spices, and seasonings to meals can enhance the taste of food, compensating for diminished taste sensitivity. Experimenting with different flavors and textures can make meals more enjoyable.
Visual Appeal: Enhancing the visual appeal of food can stimulate appetite. Using vibrant colors and arranging food creatively can make meals more enticing, even if the taste or smell perception is diminished.
Nutritional Support: Consulting with a nutritionist can help identify nutritional deficiencies and develop a personalized meal plan that meets the dietary needs of your aging parents. Nutritional supplements can also be considered to ensure adequate nutrient intake.
Social Support: Encouraging social interactions around meals can promote a more enjoyable dining experience. Engaging in mealtime conversations, sharing meals with loved ones, or participating in group activities centered around food can provide a sense of connection and make eating more pleasurable.
Texture Adjustments: Texture plays an important role in the overall enjoyment of food, particularly for elderly adults with taste and smell changes. Adapting the texture of meals by incorporating soft, pureed, or minced options can make eating easier and more satisfying. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with dental issues or swallowing difficulties.
Scent Stimulation: While the sense of smell may decline with age, certain scents can still evoke memories and enhance the dining experience. Incorporating aromatic ingredients, such as herbs, spices, and citrus zest, can help stimulate the olfactory system and add depth to the flavor perception.
Regular Dental Care: Maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking regular dental care is essential for elderly individuals. Dental issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay, can contribute to taste alterations. By addressing and managing these dental concerns, individuals can maintain their oral health and potentially improve taste sensitivity.
Medication Review: Consulting with healthcare professionals to review medications and their potential impact on taste and smell perception is crucial. Adjustments to medication dosages or alternative medication options with fewer sensory side effects can be explored to decrease the challenges faced by your aging parents.
Supportive Environment: Creating a supportive environment that caters to the needs of your parents can significantly improve their dining experience. Good lighting, comfortable seating, and minimal distractions can help them focus on their meal and enjoy their food to the fullest.
Taste and smell changes among aging adults present unique challenges that can affect their nutritional status, social interactions, and overall well-being.
By understanding these changes and implementing considerate and appropriate strategies, you can help help your aging parents manage these challenges. Enhancing flavors, engaging in social interactions, modifying textures, and ensuring proper dental care are just a few ways to support the sensory needs of your elderly parents. By recognizing and addressing these challenges, you can contribute to the overall quality of life for your aging parents.
BEFORE YOU BROACH THE TOPIC WITH THEM ABOUT FOOD CHOICES download my FREE One-Eighty Bookend Technique Workbook here so this conversation goes more smoothly!
Bon Appetit!
Edla
NOTE: It's important to remember that aging is a highly individualized process, and the timing and progression of these stages can vary among individuals. Additionally, lifestyle factors, genetics, and overall health play significant roles in how individuals experience aging.
