How to get grandma to eat more? Practical strategies for caregivers

According to BMC Geriatrics, an estimated 15-30% of older adults experience a loss of appetite, often due to physical, psychological, or social changes. Learning how to get grandma to eat more is vital for preventing malnutrition and supporting overall health.

Quick Summary

Address a senior's low appetite by offering smaller, more frequent meals, boosting flavor with herbs and spices, and making mealtimes a social and enjoyable event. Rule out medical or dental issues, increase nutrient density, and encourage light physical activity to naturally stimulate hunger.

Key Points

• Address Underlying Issues: Identify and address potential causes for appetite loss, including medication side effects, dental problems, or mental health concerns like depression.

• Enhance Flavor and Presentation: Boost bland food by using herbs, spices, and colorful vegetables. Serve meals on smaller, brightly colored plates to make them more visually appealing.

• Serve Smaller, Frequent Meals: Offer several small, nutrient-dense meals and snacks throughout the day instead of large, overwhelming portions.

• Make Mealtime a Social Event: Encourage eating with family, friends, or at a senior center to combat loneliness and make meals more enjoyable.

• Offer Easy-to-Eat Foods: Provide finger foods, smoothies, and soft foods for seniors who have difficulty with chewing or swallowing.

• Increase Hydration: Ensure consistent hydration, but encourage drinking fluids between meals to avoid feeling full prematurely.

Understanding the Root Causes of Appetite Loss

Before implementing strategies, it's crucial to understand why a senior's appetite has decreased. A multifaceted approach is needed to tackle the various physical, psychological, and social factors at play.

Medical and Physical Factors

• Medication side effects: Many prescription drugs can cause dry mouth, a metallic taste, or nausea, making food unappealing. A medication review with a doctor can help identify and adjust problematic drugs.
• Changes in taste and smell: Aging naturally dulls the senses of taste and smell, causing favorite foods to seem bland.
• Dental problems: Ill-fitting dentures, toothaches, or gum disease can make chewing and swallowing painful. Regular dental check-ups are essential.
• Digestive issues: A slower metabolism and issues like constipation or feeling full faster can suppress hunger.
• Underlying health conditions: Diseases such as thyroid disorders, kidney failure, cancer, and dementia can all impact appetite.

Psychological and Social Factors

• Depression and isolation: Eating alone can be disheartening and is a significant factor in appetite loss. Loneliness and depression often reduce interest in food.
• Grief: The loss of a spouse or friends can lead to social isolation and a decline in interest in daily routines, including eating.
• Memory issues: For individuals with dementia, forgetting to eat or experiencing repetitive behaviors that use energy can lead to weight loss.
• Loss of independence: Feeling a loss of control over one's life can lead to an older adult refusing to eat as a way to regain a small sense of autonomy.

Expert-Recommended Strategies for Encouraging Eating

Once potential underlying causes have been considered, these practical tips can make mealtimes more effective and enjoyable.

Make Food More Appetizing

• Enhance flavor: Add more flavor with herbs, spices, and citrus, rather than relying on salt, which many seniors need to limit. Strong aromas can also stimulate hunger.
• Focus on nutrient density: Instead of large, overwhelming portions, concentrate on smaller, more calorie- and nutrient-dense foods. Add healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, or nut butter to meals.
• Improve presentation: The adage "we eat with our eyes first" is true for all ages. Use colorful plates and garnishes to make meals visually appealing and inviting. Research shows green plates can be particularly helpful for those with dementia.

Adjust Mealtime Structure

• Serve smaller, frequent meals: Five or six small, manageable meals throughout the day can be less intimidating than three large ones. Keep nutritious snacks readily available.
• Create a routine: Eating at the same time each day can help regulate hunger signals and create a sense of regularity.
• Offer finger foods: For those with arthritis, Parkinson's, or other conditions affecting utensil use, finger foods can make eating easier. Examples include chicken strips, steamed vegetables, cheese cubes, or fruit slices.

Create a Positive Environment

• Socialize during meals: Sharing a meal with family or friends makes the experience more enjoyable and encourages better intake. Even virtual meals can help. Eating together can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Reduce distractions: A quiet, comfortable, and well-lit dining area helps seniors focus on their food. Avoid loud television or other disruptive noises.
• Offer choices: Give seniors options for what they eat. Involving them in meal planning can make them feel more engaged and in control of their diet.

Hydration and Supplements

• Hydrate between meals: Encourage drinking plenty of water between meals, as fluids can fill seniors up if consumed with food. Many older adults lose their sense of thirst and can become chronically dehydrated.
• Try smoothies and soups: For those with chewing or swallowing difficulties, nutrient-dense soups and smoothies are excellent options. A smoothie made with yogurt, fruit, and spinach can pack a nutritional punch.
• Consult a doctor about supplements: In some cases, a healthcare provider might recommend oral nutrition supplements (ONS) or fortified foods to boost calorie and nutrient intake. Always consult a doctor before starting any supplements.

Comparison Table: Common Issues and Corresponding Strategies

Issue	Strategies	Food Examples
Low Appetite	Serve smaller, frequent meals. Increase nutrient density with healthy fats.	Smoothies, fortified yogurt, avocado toast, trail mix.
Poor Taste/Smell	Enhance flavor with herbs, spices, garlic, or lemon juice. Serve familiar comfort foods.	Spiced oatmeal, seasoned ground meat, herbal tea.
Chewing/Swallowing Issues	Offer soft, pureed, or liquid foods. Use finger foods if utensils are a challenge.	Soups, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, well-cooked pasta, soft fish.
Loneliness/Isolation	Make mealtimes a social event. Invite a friend or family member to dine together.	Any favorite meal enjoyed with company.

The Role of Gentle Exercise

Encouraging light physical activity is another effective method for stimulating appetite. Just 15-30 minutes of gentle exercise, such as a short walk, can naturally increase metabolic rate and trigger hunger signals. Activity also helps preserve muscle mass and improves overall mood and mindset. Consider low-impact options like gardening, stretching, or walking with a companion.

What to Do When Nothing Works

If poor appetite persists, especially if it is accompanied by unintentional weight loss, it's crucial to speak with a healthcare professional. They can perform a thorough evaluation to rule out or address any underlying medical issues. A doctor may also recommend working with a registered dietitian to create a personalized meal plan.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach for Better Nutrition

Resolving the issue of a senior's lack of appetite requires patience, creativity, and a compassionate, holistic approach. By addressing the root causes—whether medical, environmental, or emotional—you can help your loved one get the nutrition they need. Focusing on making meals enjoyable, offering flavorful and nutrient-dense options, and fostering a positive dining environment can significantly improve their intake and overall well-being. It's a team effort that ultimately supports not just a person's physical health but their quality of life.

For more detailed guidance on nutrition for older adults, visit the resources provided by the National Council on Aging: https://www.ncoa.org/article/helping-older-adults-eat-well-a-caregivers-guide-to-better-nutrition/.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first steps to take if grandma isn't eating?

First, observe her eating habits and look for any sudden changes. Rule out medical or dental problems by consulting a doctor. Then, try making small changes to mealtimes, like offering favorite foods in smaller portions or ensuring she has company while eating.

How can I add more calories to grandma's meals without increasing portion size?

To increase calorie density, you can add healthy fats like olive oil or butter to vegetables, stir nut butter into yogurt or oatmeal, or add avocado to meals. Fortified milk or protein powder can also be added to drinks and soups.

My grandma has trouble chewing. What foods are best for her?

Offer soft foods that are easy to chew, such as scrambled eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, well-cooked pasta, soft fish, or pureed soups. Finger foods like cheese cubes or soft-cooked vegetables are also good options.

Can exercise help increase my grandma's appetite?

Yes, gentle physical activity like walking can help stimulate appetite by increasing the body's metabolic rate. It also promotes a healthy mindset and can improve overall energy levels.

How do I deal with medication side effects that cause appetite loss?

Consult her doctor to review her medication regimen. They may be able to adjust dosages or switch to alternative medications with fewer side effects. Sometimes, changing the time of day a medication is taken can also help.

What if my grandma is eating less because she feels lonely?

Make mealtimes a social event by eating with her or inviting a friend over. Meals at a senior center or community potlucks can also provide valuable social interaction. Creating a pleasant dining environment with conversation or soft music can also help.

When should I be concerned about weight loss in an elderly person?

Unintended weight loss of 5% or more over 6-12 months should be a cause for concern and warrants a visit to the doctor. Significant weight loss can indicate an underlying medical condition.