Have you ever noticed how elderly people seem to get thinner as they age? They may also experience the opposite, where they gain weight, but it is not in a good way. One of the biggest reasons for this is a lack of adequate nutrition. Among the elderly population, there are several reasons for this, but three of these reasons stand out.
One of the biggest reasons that elderly patients suffer from malnutrition, either gaining or losing weight as they age, can be due to side effects and interactions from medications. Many people over a certain age, around 65 or so, may be on six or more medications for their various health conditions. They may also be on added medications due to the fact that their current medications weren’t enough at their last doctor’s visit or blood test. There are multiple factors responsible for this, but one of the more common is dishonesty with their doctor and inability to keep to their pill schedule or regimen.
Sociological studies have demonstrated that people will fib to their doctors, usually in face to face interactions. Surveys determined that patients lie to their doctors about bad food habits, lack of exercise, and adherence to medication. They lie because they don’t want to be judged or lectured in general. In a separate study, these differences were observed by having patient interviews about their habits, and then asking them to keep a journal every day of what they ate or what medications they took. Looking at these results, it was easy to see that people were giving a rosier view of their activities than real life would support.
According to the CDC, about a third of elderly adults are taking five or more medications together. Most of these prescriptions have not been studied thoroughly together, and this means that they may interact in a serious or severe way, and it might not be recognized. The reactions may even be seen as another health condition for which yet another medication is needed. It is the policy of the National Institute on Aging to recommend deprescribing medicines among this population (https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/dangers-polypharmacy-and-case-deprescribing-older-adults). For example, let’s say an elderly person is on medication for high blood pressure, along with diabetes medication, a blood pressure lowering drug, an asthma medicine, and depression. This could be five or more medications.
A very common side effect of many medications is loss of appetite. This may or may not be coupled with actual stomach aches, making it difficult to eat as much food. When they are suffering from this side effect, they may consume less food at each meal, or they may have less frequent meals. This can lead to weight loss.
Secondly, they may be experiencing poverty. Again, we see the one-third of elderly adults number, however, this time it is in relation to their income status and financial security. One third of elderly adults live in poverty, and they do not have a sufficient income to get their needs met. Such individuals are unable to obtain enough nutrition because they are unable to afford food for themselves. If they don’t have someone providing them with care, such as a family member or friend, there may be no one to notice that they do not have a well-stocked refrigerator or pantry.
As with all adults, they require a certain amount of protein, a certain amount of fat, and all of the other nutrients that everyone needs. This is particularly so as they grow older. As people age, and in particular when their diet is poor and deficient in vitamins and as Vitamin C, zinc, and copper, they tend to become more deficient over time. Factor in the lack of sufficient income, and it is clear that they will end up losing weight.
Poverty also carries with it a severe stigma and shame, so many people whose family members are living in poverty, they may not be aware of it. People with elderly relatives should be very concerned that they are getting sufficient nutrition, and that their shelves and refrigerator are stocked with healthy foods.
Older adults living in poverty can also experience depression, whether they are provided with medication for it or not. Depression is a real condition, and it brings with it a sense of hopelessness.
Finally, poor diet can be a large factor preventing good nutrition. If they have a very poor diet, high in processed foods and other junk nutrition, they will not gain muscle mass, but they might gain fat. This can lead to them suffering from diabetes and other diet and lifestyle related diseases. These disorders, in turn, cause them to take more medication overall.
In addition to dietary changes, though, geriatric massage can be very helpful. Making sure they get sufficient nutrition is super critical and important. But providing them with a caring therapist can also be quite helpful. Feeling cared for and supported by another person is very helpful, particularly if they are having a poor diet due to depression. It can also help to stimulate the appetite. This might be a good thing to consider for your own elderly relatives. Most important, read up on nutrition, and the needs of elderly patients. Make sure they are getting enough protein and fats, along with all of the other minerals they might need. It might help improve their quality of life.
Photo by Rod Long
