What should an older adult know about nutrition as they age? Nutrition, eating and body weight all have a significant impact on a senior's overall health. Many chronic health conditions are closely connected to one's eating habits earlier in life as well as during their older years. Find out about the specific health risks for an elder with poor nutrition and learn what you can do to help.

Why does nutrition matter for seniors?

Poor nutrition is a problem for people at any age. Because many chronic diseases develop late in life, older adults are at an increased risk of health problems. Nutritional habits influence one's overall health and well-being.

Poor nutrition can lead to chronic medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, diabetes or heart disease. It can also exacerbate or worsen these or other health conditions that your elder has already been diagnosed with. Furthermore, elders may experience difficulty recovering from an illness if they are concurrently not eating enough foods or nutritious foods.

What contributes to poor nutrition?

Medical complications - Symptoms of medical conditions such as nausea often cause elders to eat less. Also, people who have food restrictions due to medical conditions (such as diabetes or kidney disease) may eat less in general and be at risk of poor nutrition.
Lack of appetite - Causes of a poor appetite include the side effects of some medications and depression.
Medications - Some medications alter taste buds or suppress appetite.
Live alone and/or eat alone
Don't know how to cook - Many elders eat less after the "cooking spouse" passes away.
Low income
Physical problems - Some conditions such as arthritis and paralysis may prevent cooking.
Bad dentures or missing teeth - When an elder has difficulty chewing, he may avoid important foods such as fresh fruit.