7 Common Nutrition Concerns for Seniors

Maintaining a nutritionally adequate diet throughout the lifespan is important for all ages, and it is specifically critical for older adults. Eating a healthy diet and staying properly nourished has a huge effect on our health and well-being, and as we age, not only do our dietary needs change but also some of our bodily functions are altered, potentially impacting how much food we eat and the absorption of nutrients. Below are some common nutrition issues that may be present in older adults:

1. Changes in taste buds and sense of smell.

Did you know that your senses of smell and taste are connected? As you age, your senses of both taste and smell may fade, affecting the way you view and eat certain foods. You may not enjoy your previously favorite foods because they taste bland, and you may end up adding too much sugar or salt to your food to allow you to taste it better. This can lead to some health issues, especially if you already have a history of heart disease or diabetes. If you’re having trouble smelling or tasting your food, try adding flavor by using citrus such as lemon or lime, or fresh herbs such as rosemary, cilantro, thyme, or sage. For an extra kick, try garlic, onions, ginger, or spices like cumin or crushed red pepper.

2. Dehydration

Being dehydrated can cause mild to moderate complications like constipation, low blood pressure, dizziness, and headaches. There is a greater risk of dehydration for a few different reasons, one being fear of using the restroom too much overnight, or during the day due to an overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, or having UTI’s. Many medications can also lower your body’s fluid levels, such as a diuretic (water pill), a laxative, and many chemotherapy medications. The effects are mild, but it is important to make sure to stay hydrated with medications that cause increased urine output, vomiting, or diarrhea. One exception is heart failure and edema, or swelling, due to fluid overload. Make sure to follow your provider’s recommendation for a fluid restriction if one is prescribed to you. Aging might also mean being less physically active, and if you are living a more sedentary lifestyle than normal, it is common to have less fluid intake.

3. Trouble chewing or swallowing

Dysphagia affects 10-33% of the population and is a medical term used to describe difficulty swallowing. The risk for this is greater for those who have suffered a stroke, have esophageal cancer, take certain medications, or it can occur simply due to increasing age. Difficulty chewing can also be common post stroke, or due to loss of teeth requiring dentures. For those with dysphagia, difficulty chewing, or both, a modified diet is necessary to make eating easier. Some may require chopped foods, moist foods with gravies and sauces, pureed foods, or even thickened liquids. These types of diet modifications can naturally cause a decrease in appetite and/or food intake.

4. Unintentional weight loss/Malnutrition

Unintentional weight loss and malnutrition are significant problems for older adults due to changes in the body throughout the aging process. Increased risk factors include a decreased appetite, decreased mobility, limited access to healthy food, and living with certain chronic diseases. Malnourished people come in all sizes. Our needs for certain nutrients change as we get older, so it is especially important to stay on top of your nutritional health to stay strong and healthy.

5. Vitamin deficiencies

Having a poor diet for any of the reasons listed above can cause vitamin deficiencies. Other risk factors include having a history of gastric bypass surgery, or certain gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease, as these can cause malabsorption of certain nutrients like iron, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.

6. Relying on microwavable or processed foods 

Older adults may not be able to cook food at home due to a potential disability (poor eyesight, altered mental state, wheelchair bound), or there may be an instance of food insecurity. In these cases, it is much easier to rely on microwaveable frozen foods or fast food for mealtimes. For information on creating healthy meals with minimal cooking, check out the blog on how to eat healthy on a budget. For information on food assistance programs, check out the end of this blog with links on how to apply for SNAP benefits.

7. Bone health/Osteoporosis

The risk for a decline in bone health is common throughout the aging process due to a combination of several potential factors: a diet low in vitamin D and calcium, limited exercise, certain medication use, and a history of current of former smoking/tobacco use.

If any of these nutrition concerns are relevant to you, make sure to discuss them with your provider.