Older Adults Living Alone Have a Higher Risk of Malnutrition

Older adults may have a higher risk of experiencing medical issues due to age-related health changes and other factors impacting their diet. People over the age of 65 living alone are also more likely to be diagnosed with malnutrition and other diet-related conditions. According to Nutrients, “Malnutrition in older adults has been [recognized] as a challenging health concern associated with not only increased mortality and morbidity, but also with physical decline, which has wide ranging acute implications for activities of daily living and quality of life in general.” LifeSpring Home Nutrition helps older adults avoid malnutrition by providing weekly home-delivered meals.

Older Adults Living Alone May Struggle With Malnutrition

Individuals who live alone may have a more difficult time eating a regularly scheduled and nutritionally balanced diet. Social connection plays an essential role in self-care for individuals over 65. According to Healthcare, “It has been reported that older adults living alone or having fewer social relations are more susceptible to develop malnutrition than those having better social networks.” Home-delivered meals from LifeSpring Home Nutrition offer older adults a positive social connection every week and access to nourishing meals. People living alone often rely on the weekly social check-in of the delivery driver. The tailored meals also ensure they eat balanced meals.

Some of the most common causes of malnutrition in older individuals living alone include:

• Memory issues and forgetting to eat on a regular basis
• Lack of transportation and inability to go shopping or pick up food as needed
• Medications causing nausea or other side effects, making it uncomfortable to eat
• Mobility problems or difficulty physically preparing or cleaning up after meals

Individuals and families can take steps to protect older adults by ensuring they have access to nutritional meals. LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers home-delivered frozen meals for people to eat throughout the week at their convenience. Older adults living alone deserve the dignity of choosing what and when they eat. Home-delivered meals ensure people have access to balanced meals.

Social Isolation and Unhealthy Dietary Routines

Many people who live alone have unhealthy eating routines. No one is there to hold them accountable for their choices or remind them to eat at a set time. Social support is often essential to creating a healthy diet and eating habits.

According to Public Health Nutrition, “Lifestyle interventions among middle-aged and older adults may be complex and may have differing effects based on social support.” In addition, “[L]ifestyle factors play a substantial role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as [cardiovascular disease], obesity and type 2 diabetes, which are prevalent at substantial rates in middle-aged and older adults.” Setting a routine around meal deliveries helps people avoid preventable diseases and creates a healthy social connection.

Social interactions may motivate older adults to look after their health and follow a set meal schedule. LifeSpring Home Nutrition encourages clients to engage with their delivery drivers. Home-delivered meals often double as a wellness check for older adults living alone. The weekly social connection gives people something to look forward to, ensures someone is monitoring their health, and provides people with information about local resources. Delivery drivers cover the same region each week, ensuring clients create a genuine friendship with the individuals who deliver their meals.

Risk Factors Impacting Older Adults

Older adults living alone are at a higher risk of malnutrition due to multiple factors, including lack of appetite, memory problems, medication side effects, and mobility issues. According to the Administration for Community Living (ACL), “In older adults, malnutrition can increase the risk of illness, frailty, and falls – all of which can undermine independence and contribute to poor quality of life.” Everyone has different factors impacting their appetite and ability to maintain a healthy diet. The two most common risk factors for malnutrition reported by older adults are a lack of appetite and unintentionally losing weight due to eating fewer calories. Home-delivered meals are delicious and can help people remember to eat meals at regular intervals.

Meals for Older Adults at LifeSpring Home Nutrition

LifeSpring Home Nutrition has an extensive catalog of meal options for older adults. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and has different tastes and medical needs. The large variety of meals makes it easy for people to choose the healthy foods they prefer. Some older adults may also have medical issues impacting their ability to swallow or eat. The meal catalog has purée meal options and other specialized foods to ensure older adults can access balanced, nourished meals.

Older adults have unique nutritional needs due to age-related changes in how their body absorbs and digest foods. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), for older adults to “get enough protein throughout the day and maintain muscle, try adding seafood, dairy, or fortified soy products along with beans, peas, and lentils to your meals.” LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers dishes featuring seafood, soy products, legumes, and dairy. Everyone can find meals that meet their dietary needs and personal preferences.

Older adults live alone more often, which can lead to unintended side effects. Seniors often have age-related memory issues and medical conditions impacting their diet and overall health. Individuals and families need to monitor for any changes in appetite that may lead to malnutrition or other health problems. Eating a regular balanced diet and following a meal plan are a few ways older adults can avoid health issues related to their diet. LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers medically tailored meals and other meal options to accommodate the needs and preferences of older adults living alone. Home-delivered meals make it easier for people to avoid malnutrition by providing consistent, high-quality meals each week. To learn more, call (800) 798-5767.