Loss of appetite is a common occurrence among people advancing in age. Many such adults have problems during mealtimes, or they choose not to eat because of a loss of appetite. It is important to address this issue because they have to eat well in order to be as active and healthy as possible. The question is, how can we convince them with no appetite to eat? And what makes them lose their appetites? To help you understand why this happens, here are ten reasons why someone would not want to eat.
Reasons for Loss of Appetite
If the loss of appetite is not due to a health or medication problem, there are 10 other reasons why your loved ones might not want to eat.
- Lack of exercise
Having regular exercise and activity will serve to boost appetite. Your loved ones sometimes have to work up an appetite before they are able to eat.
- Dehydration
Dehydration is a possible cause for the loss of appetite. Many people do not take in sufficient fluids so they become dehydrated easily. This can also be due to medications or age-related changes.
- Lack of routine
Having a daily routine where meals are eaten at regular intervals can help to prepare their bodies to eat during those set times.
- Inability to prepare meals
Your loved ones who live on their own may not be eating because preparing meals has become too difficult for them.
- Loss of taste
As people age, their taste buds become less effective at detecting flavors. Regular food may taste unappetizing and bland to them.
- Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or eating
If eating is too unpleasant or difficult, seniors may simply not want to eat. These problems can be a result of normal aging, medications, dental problems, medical treatments, or various health conditions such as stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis.
- Sensitivity to smells
Some people are sensitive to the smell of some foods that make them nauseous and therefore become unable to eat.
- Depression or loneliness
Every 1 in 10 elderly experiences depression and this causes loss of appetite. Many dislike mealtimes because they do not have someone to eat with and they feel a greater sense of loneliness.
- Loss of control
Our loved ones are dependent on others for many things so they may feel a loss of control over how they want to live. Being unable to choose what to eat is something that may lead to them not wanting to eat at all.
- Mealtimes are unpleasant
If mealtimes are when disagreements or arguments take place, they might associate food with the unpleasantness and thus choose to avoid it.
Rittenhouse Village At Portage
At Rittenhouse Village At Portage, we have created the best senior living community with comfortable apartment homes and wonderful amenities, with delicious meals prepared for our residents. If you or your loved ones have troubles with your appetite and require someone to ensure that you have proper meals during mealtimes, do consider staying with us. Feel free to contact us to find out more today!
