For elderly adults, tooth loss may turn eating into a painful, potentially risky experience. If you're having trouble chewing due to loose or missing teeth or sensitive gums, changes in the texture and temperature of the foods you eat may help you meet your nutritional requirements and prevent choking. Eating soft or minced foods that are appetizing and dense in protein, vitamins and minerals may help prevent weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
Chewing Difficulties
In your senior years, dental cavities, gum disease and tooth loss may make it difficult to chew and swallow food. According to Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, having poorly fitting dentures can decrease the efficiency of your chewing by 75 to 85 percent. In addition, elderly adults may have a poor appetite due to medication side effects, chronic disease or a diminished sense of taste or smell. Decreased saliva production may make your throat and tongue dry and cause painful mouth sores. If you're unable to chew your food thoroughly, you may be at risk for choking on large pieces of food or aspirating food particles. In aspiration, liquids or small pieces of food enter your trachea, or windpipe, instead of your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Modifying the textures of your foods may make help you relax while you're eating and enjoy your meals.
Texture and Temperature
Soft, finely chopped or pureed foods may be easier to swallow than other foods if you have missing teeth or tender gums. Consuming foods and liquids at room temperature may also prevent pain and facilitate chewing. Soft diets restrict crunchy or chewy foods, such as raw vegetables and fruits, fibrous meats and tough breads. You can cook fresh vegetables and fruits until soft, then mash or puree them in a food processor. You can ground or mince tender meat, poultry and fish. Gravy, broth, milk or juice can soften and moisten your foods. If you are able to tolerate spices and seasonings, add your favorite herbs, spices or other low-sodium seasonings to make foods appetizing and flavorful.
Nutritional Requirements
Lower activity levels and a decreased metabolic rate may reduce your need for calories as an elderly adult. However, seniors may need more protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B-12 than younger adults. Tender chicken or fish, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese and yogurt are soft foods that provide protein. Egg yolks are rich in vitamin B-12 and D. Canned fruit blended with yogurt provides fiber, protein, calcium, vitamin C and other essential nutrients. Canned salmon is a source of protein, vitamin D and calcium and is easy to chew. Softened avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which may help lower your cholesterol and boost your energy level.
Dietary Supplements
If you're unable to meet your requirements for calories and protein through solid or soft foods, liquid nutritional supplements may make up for the deficits. High-calorie, high protein beverages may help you meet your daily nutritional needs and prevent the loss of lean tissue. Stir protein powder, powdered milk or powdered egg whites into yogurt, creamy cereals or other soft foods if you need additional protein and calories. Work closely with your doctor and dentist to develop a diet that meets your nutritional needs and maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
References
- Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Nutrition for Older Adults; Frank W. Jackson, M.D.; 2008
- Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Soft and Mechanical Soft Diet; Frank W. Jackson, M.D.; 2008
- "American Family Physician"; Evaluation and Treatment of Swallowing Impairments"; Jeffrey B. Palmer, M.D., et al.; April 15, 2000
- HelpGuide.Org: Senior Nutrition: The Joy of Eating Well and Aging Well; Sarah Kovatch, M.F.A. and Gina Kemp, M.A.; January, 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamins -- Introduction; Harvey Simon, M.D.; February 27, 2009
