˚Whether it is due to dental problems or loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss is not uncommon in the elderly. Unfortunately, malnutrition can lead to several health issues in seniors including muscle weakness, a weak immune system, depression and anemia. If you are taking care of an elderly loved one, you must make sure he is eating enough nutritious food. Here are five effective ways to prevent unintentional weight loss in seniors:

Add Spices to Food

Has your elderly loved one lost his sense of taste? If so, most foods will taste very bland. You can get your family member more excited about eating by adding spices to his food. Different spices, such as oregano and cumin, can add delicious flavor to many foods.

Supplement With Smoothies

Does your senior family member have difficulty finishing his meals? If so, you could help him sneak in extra calories and vitamins with smoothies. Whether they are made with strawberries or kale, smoothies are easy to digest and packed with important vitamins and minerals. Another benefit of smoothies is that they will keep your family member hydrated.

Check Medications

There are some medications that cause dry mouth, difficulty swallowing and nausea, making it difficult to eat properly. If your elderly loved one takes one of these medications, you should make an appointment with his doctor. During the appointment, ask his physician if adjustments could be made to the medications.

Encourage Your Loved One to Exercise

Regular exercise will not just keep your elderly loved one's muscles and bones strong; it will also increase his appetite. Encourage your family member to work out at least a few days a week. Whether it is walking or swimming, physical activity will be good for his health. Occasionally exercise with your family member to keep him company.

Try Healthy Fats

Another good way to help your elderly loved one eat enough calories is to include healthy fats in his diet. Healthy fats may be higher in calories, but they are still very nutritious for the body. For example, you could put some peanut butter or almond butter on your family member's toast.

If you follow these helpful tips, you can help your elderly loved one maintain a healthy weight. However, if your family member is still losing weight, have him see a doctor as soon as possible. An underlying health condition may be responsible for his rapid weight loss. To learn more, speak with a business like Regina Nursing Center.

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