Convincing an elderly family member or friend to eat can be difficult. To help with this, try to boost their appetite and make the food more appealing. People tend to eat more when they're interested in a meal. Start by preparing the right foods and creating a routine that makes them look forward to eating.
Here's how to improve appetite in the elderly.
Don't Be Negative with Them
Avoid negative talk. Do not shame someone for not eating or lacking an appetite. You might not even want to ask why they haven't eaten. Show no judgment. Just listen if they share more about why they haven't eaten or aren't eating much.
Schedule an Eating Routine
Set a regular schedule for meals, snacks, and drinks. This helps them recognize what to expect and, ideally, they look forward to these times. Designate specific times of the day for meals or snacks. Elderly people are more likely to eat something if it fits their routine.
Offer a Meal Plan Delivery Service
One way to keep a routine is to sign up an elderly person for a meal delivery service where their meals are already prepared. They just need heat. This gives them healthy, warm dinners without cooking or washing dishes. It's the easiest way to ensure they are eating well and getting good quality food without effort.
Turn Meals into a Social Event
Eat with others. Create an enjoyable atmosphere where they can look forward to gathering with friends. Meals for someone without a natural appetite can be a battle. Time spent with others, however, may make sitting down for food more enticing. The more of a social occasion eating is, the more likely you can count on them to show up to sit in front of a plate or bowl of something.
Make Food Healthy
When an elderly loved one eats, you want them to get strong nutrition and energy from every meal. Look at what vitamins they need. Ensure they get enough protein, carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables. Choose high-quality ingredients for every meal and snack. This will help them improve their nutrition while providing nice energy during the day.
Make Food Taste Good
Eating is more enjoyable when you like the food. Don't just guess what an elderly person will enjoy; ask them what they want. Serve them food that tastes good to them. Add extra salt, sugar, butter, cream, or milk if their health allows. Delicious food will make them eager to eat; next time, you won't have to work as hard to get them to bite.
Have Easy-to-Chew Foods
Eating, chewing, and using cutlery can become challenging for elderly people. They might not tell you this because they feel embarrassed. One easy way to help them eat is to offer soft foods. Smoothies and shakes are simple to make and nutritious. Anything easy to chew is good.
Encourage Smaller Snacks
Encourage your elderly loved ones to snack throughout the day. They might not be interested in a full meal, but some finger foods or small snacks will help them get calories and nutrients. Simple snacks like nuts, raisins, carrots, orange slices, dark chocolate, yogurt, and similar choices are wise to have within reach.
Talk About Appetite Stimulants
Supplements like zinc, thiamine, and fish oil have some evidence supporting their use to increase appetite. Medication prescribed by a doctor might help. If you are worried, talk to your doctor about an appetite stimulant. If you already have a prescription, take it regularly as directed.
Encourage Exercise and Activity
Being active is the best natural way for anyone to boost their appetites. Even though older adults might have physical limitations, exercise can increase energy needs. This stimulates appetites. Seniors who exercise regularly, even if it's just a daily walk, will have a better appetite than those who don't do much physical activity.
