Nutrition & Hydration Week – Malnutrition in Older Adults

Malnutrition among older adults poses significant health risks and challenges. Recent studies, including one from 2020, revealed that over a third of elderly individuals admitted to hospitals were either malnourished or at risk. It’s crucial to recognise the signs, understand the causes, and take proactive steps to prevent malnutrition, ensuring the health and well-being of our elderly loved ones.

Understanding Malnutrition:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition encompasses deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients. This includes both undernutrition and overweight, obesity, and diet-related non-communicable diseases.

Signs of Malnutrition:

Identifying signs of malnutrition is crucial. These include unintentional weight loss, chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, decreased appetite or loss of interest in food, cognitive impairment, slow healing from injuries or illnesses, increased susceptibility to infections, changes in mood or behaviour, skin, hair, or dental problems, swelling in the legs, fragile bones, and heightened risk of fractures, as well as mobility issues.

Causes of Malnutrition:

Several factors contribute to malnutrition among the elderly, including limited financial resources for purchasing nutritious foods, chronic illnesses or digestive disorders affecting nutrient absorption, medication side effects suppressing appetite, dental problems, or mobility limitations hindering eating, social isolation leading to decreased food intake, and age-related changes in metabolism and nutrient requirements.

elderly man eating dinner

Preventive Measures:

Preventing malnutrition requires a proactive approach from caregivers. Here are some key preventive measures:

Nutrition-Based Preventive Measures:

  • Meal Planning: Designate and prepare well-balanced meals in advance to promote healthier eating habits.
  • Medication Consideration: Be vigilant of medication side effects that may affect appetite and consult healthcare professionals for adjustments if necessary.
  • Social Engagement: Encourage social interactions during mealtimes to enhance enjoyment and stimulate appetite.
  • Healthy Snacking: Incorporate nutrient-rich snacks into daily routines to provide additional nourishment, especially for those with reduced appetites.

Other Supportive Measures:

  • Regular Monitoring: Keep track of the older adult’s weight, appetite, and overall health regularly to identify any changes or concerns.
  • Encouragement and Support: Provide positive reinforcement and encouragement during meals to motivate older adults to eat and enjoy their food.
  • Variety in Meals: Offer a diverse range of foods to ensure a balanced diet and prevent mealtime boredom.
  • Assistance with Eating: Offer assistance with meal preparation, serving, and feeding if needed, especially for individuals with physical limitations or cognitive impairments.
  • Educational Resources: Seek out educational resources or nutrition programs for caregivers to enhance their knowledge and skills in proper nutrition and meal planning for older adults.
  • Regular Exercise: Encourage regular physical activity to stimulate appetite and promote overall health and well-being.

Seeking Professional Support:

Seeking professional guidance is vital for addressing malnutrition effectively. Healthcare professionals can offer tailored dietary advice, recommend supplements, and provide counselling for underlying mental health issues contributing to malnutrition.

By raising awareness, understanding the signs, and implementing preventive measures, caregivers can significantly contribute to combating malnutrition among the elderly. Prioritising nutrition and overall well-being ensures that our elderly loved ones lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know is experiencing malnutrition-related issues, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from healthcare professionals for appropriate support and intervention.

Nutrition and Hydration Week: Easy Ways to Drink More Water

As we celebrate Nutrition and Hydration Week, it’s a good time to talk about something really important: drinking enough water. Water is super important for our bodies, but lots of us find it hard to drink as much as we should. Let’s chat about why drinking water is so important and find some fun ways to drink more of it, including tasty recipes for flavoured water.

Why Drinking Water Matters

Water is like the fuel that keeps our bodies running smoothly. It helps our body do lots of important things, like keeping us cool, moving around nutrients, and getting rid of waste. When we don’t drink enough water, we can feel tired, get headaches, find it hard to concentrate, and even have bigger health problems in the long run.

Tips for Drinking More Water

  1. Set Reminders: Sometimes, we forget to drink water during our busy days. Set reminders on your phone or computer to remind you to take regular sips of water.
  2. Carry a Water Bottle: Keep a refillable water bottle with you wherever you go. It makes it much easier to drink water when you have it with you all the time.
  3. Add Some Flavour: If plain water doesn’t excite you, try adding some flavour! You can add slices of fruit or some herbs to your water to make it taste better.
  4. Keep Track: Try keeping track of how much water you drink each day in a journal or on your phone. It’s easier to drink more water when you can see how much you’ve already had.
  5. Eat Water-Rich Foods: Snack on foods that have lots of water in them, like cucumber, watermelon, strawberries, and lettuce. They help keep you hydrated and give you extra vitamins and minerals.

Tasty Flavoured Water Recipes

  1. Citrus Splash: Pop some slices of lemon, lime, and orange into a jug of water. Leave it in the fridge for a while to let the flavours mix together. It’s like a zesty party for your taste buds!
  2. Cucumber Mint Cooler: Put some slices of cucumber and a few mint leaves in a pitcher of water. Stick it in the fridge for an hour or so before drinking. It’s super refreshing, especially on a hot day.
  3. Berry Blast: Mix up some strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries in a jug of water. Let it sit in the fridge for a bit to get all juicy and delicious. It’s like drinking a fruity rainbow!
  4. Tropical Treat: Chuck in some pineapple and mango chunks into your water, along with a splash of coconut water. Leave it in the fridge overnight for a taste of the tropics in your own home.
  5. Herbal Harmony: Drop some rosemary sprigs, thyme, and a squeeze of lemon into a jug of water. Let it hang out for a couple of hours before serving. It’s like a spa day for your taste buds!

two glasses of water with lemon and lime in it perfect for hydration

By making hydration a priority and trying out these simple tricks, you can make sure you’re getting enough water every day. Whether you like plain water, flavoured water, or water-rich foods, staying hydrated is a small but important step towards feeling your best.

Happy Nutrition and Hydration Week!

Nutrition and Hydration Week 2024 – Join our Nutrition and Hydration Challenge

Today marks the beginning of Nutrition and Hydration Week, and we at RHS Home Care are excited to be part of the global effort to highlight the importance of healthy eating and staying hydrated. This week presents an opportunity for us to emphasise our commitment to supporting the well-being of our clients and community.

Nutrition and Hydration Week serves as a poignant reminder of the indispensable role that balanced nutrition and proper hydration play in maintaining overall health and vitality. Particularly for older adults, prioritising these factors is crucial for enhancing their well-being and quality of life.

Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing valuable tips and information on our website and social media platforms. We believe that by increasing awareness about health, individuals can make informed decisions for themselves.

To kick off Nutrition and Hydration Week, we’re launching a simple challenge that anyone can join in with. These tasks are designed not only to assist during this week but also to encourage good habits for the long term. (Click/tap the image for a downloadable and  printable version.)

nutrition and hydration challenge sheet

By taking on these simple tasks, you can improve your health and well-being now and in the future. We encourage you to join us on this journey and share your experiences.

Let’s make Nutrition and Hydration Week a time to focus on our health and make positive changes together. Keep an eye on our social media for daily updates and tips.