How to Cope with Elderly Anorexia and Taste Perception Changes

Who needs to take care of or be close toelderly might have ever metelderly problemsrefuse to eat Even if it’s the same menu that I used to do. or from the same store that used to buy them often or as food that the elderly used to like to eat But one day he said he didn’t like it and refused to eat it.

Many people may think that it is caused by a problem.anorexia“But in fact, it may be caused by”taste perception” that changes and deteriorates with age And that is dangerous. Instead, the sweet taste is the first taste that the elderly can perceive more than other flavors. This will result in disease in the future.

• As you get older, your taste buds deteriorate.

Of course, when you get older, the system works. In the body there will be deterioration. One of them is “Taste perception” causes many elderly people to have anorexia as a result. The cause is caused by the elderly aged 60 years and over. will begin to decrease in efficiency From the original that used to be about 10,000 -15,000 taste buds, but when the age reaches the age of 70 years, the taste buds will decrease to 2 in 3 of all taste buds. The salty and bitter tastes are the first tastes. that the elderly can taste less causing when eating food to feel bland not as tasty as before Even if it’s the same menu with the same seasoning.

For reasons that accelerate the deterioration oftaste buds These include medications or certain diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. as it involves the nervous system and brain Linked to the nervous system, various sensory functions are reduced. In addition, in some elderly people, the salivary glands are also reduced, causing dry mouth, dry throat and drinking less water. The more it results in getting different flavors. decreased accordingly

• even less taste But the sweet taste is the first taste that you can feel.

On the other hand, although older people perceive different tastes less food, butsweet taste” Instead, it is the most obvious taste in the taste buds of the elderly. As a result, some elderly people become addicted to sweet foods or desserts because it is a food that can feel the taste more than other types of food.

However, the fact that the elderly are addicted to sweet foods and eating too many sweets will result in serious diseases such as obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease. osteoarthritis Alzheimer’s disease hypertension Type 2 diabetes, tooth decay and malnutrition, etc.

Therefore, to prevent the risk of developing various diseases. in the elderly caused by the habit of eating sweets Family members or caregivers should arrange Menu for the elderly each day to be a low sugar diet. Initially, this can be done by checking nutrition labels or reducing the amount of added sugar in food. Reduce your intake of sweet or dried fruits. And try to control the amount of sugar in food not more than 4 teaspoons per day.

• adjust food menu for elderly health

It is important to prepare meals for the elderly who have anorexia. because of the changing taste perception May start by reducing or adding some ingredients to make it easier for the elderly to eat. But must not cook too spicy because it will become more prone to disease. You can start adjusting easily as follows:

1. Reduce starch and fat.

For the elderly, should not consume more than 2 scoops of rice or other starchy and fatty nutrients per meal, as this will increase blood sugar levels. especially the elderly with congenital disease need to be very careful

2. Add vegetables and fruits

Because most seniors tend to have Relatively high cholesterol in the body Resulting in the risk of various diseases easily, so should be supplemented with high fiber vegetables and fruits to help balance the body better. They also get good minerals and vitamins. But be careful not to eat fruits that are too high in sugar.

3. Reduce sodium and spicy food.

As mentioned above, it is difficult for the elderly to perceive the taste of food. due to physical limitations But should not prepare spicy, salty or high sodium foods for the elderly. Because it makes it easier to risk blood pressure and kidney disease. Food should be prepared with minimal seasoning. But change the cooking method or change the menu to be more diverse to help the elderly eat easier

elderly carewith anorexia then It is considered one of the big problems for family members, caregivers, and those close to them. because if the elderly eat much less The more negative effects on health, so if the elderly eat less and less food. medical consultation It is another important solution for the elderly to have good health and to be far away from disease.

Reference information : old age, Tatlpartnership and Gourmet & Cuisine