For many older adults, maintaining regular eating patterns can be a challenge. However, there are lots of ways you can help your loved ones get back into the habit of eating consistently and enjoying their food again.
Here are some simple ways to encourage older people to get back to eating at regular intervals.
Easy Cook Meals
Preparing and cooking a meal is not easy, especially if you have mobility and dexterity problems.
If people are struggling to prepare food, then it is often tempting to skip eating and avoid the hassle of cooking. You can encourage older people to continue to eat regularly to set them up with easy to cook meals. They come pre-prepared, and all you need to do is put them in the microwave or oven.
The easier it is to prepare food; the less likely people will be tempted to skip meals.
Explore Recipes that Meet Dietary Requirements
As we age, our digestive systems can deteriorate, and we’re not able to eat the variety of foods we once did.
While it can be very frustrating when we cannot eat the foods we enjoy, there is still a world of possibilities out there. If your loved one struggles to find food they can eat, it can be a good step to help them explore recipes that meet their dietary restrictions.
Finding tasty recipes, they can eat might help your loved one rediscover their passion for food.
The Little Extras
There can be many reasons for someone to have a decreased appetite, but often, there is something to help with it.
For example, if someone struggles with swallowing liquids, then you can add a product such as SimplyThick food thickening gel to make the process easier. The same thing applies to problems such as dry mouth – there are lots of different products you can try to help alleviate the problem.
They might be small extras, but they can make a big difference.
Offer them Your Company
Nobody likes to eat alone, but that is the reality for many older people.
When you have got someone to eat your meal with, it is much more enjoyable, and you have got a reason to eat. When you are on your own, there is much less motivation to put a meal together and sit down and eat it.
A little company goes a long way, and it can help people eat more regularly.
Encourage Routine
Everything is easier when you are in the routine of doing it, and the same goes for eating.
Not only does your stomach become accustomed to digesting at certain times, but it also makes it easier to plan your meal preparation. It might be another small detail but having regular mealtimes can help older people feel more comfortable eating and ensure they are not missing important meals.
It is common for older adults to miss having a more scheduled day, but they can still keep up routines for things like mealtimes.