Many elderly people are subject to malnutrition and weight loss, and the problem worsens when the elderly person has no teeth. Malnutrition can lead to many health problems that include fatigue, depression, a weakened immune system, poor skin and weak muscles that can lead to falls, and lung and heart problems, according to MayoClinic.com. If the elderly person does not get proper nutrition, he is likely to be admitted to a hospital or a nursing home.
Tooth Loss
The elderly typically have a decreased appetite. Having no teeth worsens the problem because eating and swallowing are more difficult. The poorest members of society are the ones who usually lose their teeth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Medicare typically does not cover dental care, but a low-income elderly person might qualify for Medicaid to get dentures. The elderly typically avoid fresh fruits and vegetables when they have missing teeth or dentures.
Malnutrition
You can tell whether an elderly person has malnutrition because her wounds might not heal quickly, she could bruise easily and she will probably lose weight. You can help an elderly person with no teeth to have a nutritious diet by making some changes regarding diet, meal schedule and exercise. You can puree foods and offer frequent, small meals throughout the day if large meals are too much for the elderly person to handle. In an article published in the February 15, 2002, issue of “American Family Physician,” Dr. Grace Brooke Huffman of the Brooke Grove Foundation in Sandy Spring, Maryland, recommended encouraging exercise or physical therapy because activity fuels appetite. Also, offer liquid supplements to boost calories and nutrition, but do not offer them with meals.
Nutrient Dense Foods
Elderly people who do not enjoy eating should focus on eating nutrient-dense foods as opposed to eating foods that are simply high in calories. Because the elderly are eating fewer foods, the foods they eat must count to get the vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, dairy and healthy fats they need. In an interview for the National Institute on Aging, Dr. Connie W. Bales, a registered dietitian, recommended that a 2,000-calorie a day diet should contain about 2 cups of fruit, 2 cups of vegetables, 7 ounces of whole grains, 5 1/2 ounces of protein, 2 to 3 cups of dairy and no more than 6 teaspoons of oil.
Preparation
Elderly people should eat fruits and vegetables every day. If chewing them is a problem, these foods can be mashed or pureed. Broccoli, for example, is easy to steam for seven minutes and then place in a blender or food processor for two minutes, maybe adding a few teaspoons of water if needed. Oatmeal is a good whole grain that is easy to eat. For protein, bean soups are a good choice. Dairy can be milk or yogurt.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Senior Health: How to Detect and Prevent Malnutrition; September 2009
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Oral Health for Older Americans; December 2006
- "American Family Physician"; Evaluating and Treating Unintentional Weight Loss in the Elderly; Grace Brooke Huffman; February 2002
- National Institute on Aging: Choosing Nutrient Dense Foods
- Oprah.com; How to Puree Broccoli; January 2006
