Written By Empress Of Pearl Powder
Sarah Anderson May 10, 2023
Are you a senior or do you have a loved one who is losing weight when there seems to be no obvious reason? If so, read on.
Weight loss is common among older adults. Approximately 27% of seniors over the age of 65 lose weight unintentionally. While sometimes medical conditions can be a factor, often there is no explanation for sudden weight loss in the elderly.
Common Causes of Weight Loss in Seniors
Medical professionals describe unintentional weight loss as a 5% - 10% decrease in body weight over 1 to 12 months, and more specifically, a 5% loss over a 6-month period. There are several reasons this can occur in seniors, including the natural aging process.
After the age of 30, people usually experience muscle atrophy, loss of cells in the liver and kidneys, and bones become less dense. Additionally, tissue loss reduces the amount of water in the body. Along with aging comes other conditions that can make it more difficult for seniors to maintain a healthy weight.
Medical conditions: Underlying diseases such as cancer, Parkinson's disease, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues can all lead to weight loss in older adults. All of these conditions can cause changes in appetite, eating habits, and weight management.
Medication:The side effects of certain medications is a major source of weight loss for seniors. In fact, poly-pharmacy (taking multiple medications) has been shown to interfere with taste and even cause anorexia. Other side effects of medications commonly taken by seniors that can cause weight loss include altered taste or smell, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting.
Mental illness: Unintended weight loss is very prevalent among people with mental health issues, such as depression, bipolar, personality, and anxiety disorders, and substance abuse and alcoholism.
It's normal for seniors to experience sadness as they go through the aging process, and depression is the primary cause of sudden weight loss in the elderly. The loss of loved ones and lifelong friends as well as decreasing mobility and the inability to participate in many activities can also contribute to depression in seniors.
Natural aging process: It could also be that the body is simply changing naturally due to age. Weight loss later in life occurs partly because fat replaces lean muscle tissue, and fat weighs less than muscle.
If you lose muscle, you'll lose weight. This can happen if you don't use your muscles for a while. It's commonplace in people who don't exercise, work desk jobs, or are bedridden.
Additionally, the loss of tissue reduces the amount of water in the body. All of this can result in weight loss that may be noticeable, but not necessarily cause for alarm.
Social Isolation: A major contributing factor to weight loss in older adults is social isolation. Social isolation can be a major contributing factor in explaining weight loss. This can lead to depression and can cause people to drift out of healthy habits.
Other concerns include financial constraints and pain and discomfort.
Tips For Managing Weight Loss In Seniors
Unintentional weight loss is common among older adults, however there are many steps you can take to maintain a healthy weight, and preserve an optimal quality of life.
1. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day (brisk walking, gardening, swimming, dancing, hiking, vacuuming, lawn mowing, bike riding, jogging on a treadmill, etc.)
2. Add strength training to your exercise routine to help maintain your muscle mass through weight machines, lighter handheld weights, or by using your own body weight for resistance like jogging, running, stair climbing, squats, lunges, step-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, and bicycle kicks.
3. Stay hydrated. Older adults are more susceptible to becoming dehydrated for various reasons - it is a common problem among seniors. Persistent dehydration can land seniors in the hospital. So, increase your intake of hydrating fluids, like water, milk, fruit and sports drinks, and cut back on beverages that contain alcohol, coffee, and soda's as it may have a diuretic effect. They rid your body of salt (sodium) and water.
Stay hydrated by getting 64 ounces of water every day, either by drinking it or in part from foods that are naturally rich in water such as melons, strawberries, pineapple, peaches, oranges, bell peppers, broccoli, celery, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Cucumbers have the highest water content of any solid food.
4. Seniors often experience a decline in their appetite. If this is the case, eat more small meals and snacks, and don't go much longer than 3 hours without eating.
5. Eat lots of High-Quality protein, about one gram to every kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight. The body's protein needs to increase after age 65. Get your protein from Real Food in its natural form. Focus on wild salmon, whole eggs, organic whey protein powder, grass-fed beef, pastas, stir fries, salads and more.
6. Eat healthy foods such as whole grain bread, beans, vegetables, potatoes, and fruit.
7. Increase your calorie intake and healthy fats such as avocados, extra virgin olive oil, dairy products, full-fat milk, organic, grass-fed butter, nut-butters, organic, grass-fed sour cream, nuts, seeds, beans, cheese, yogurt, and fatty fish.
9. Limit empty calories, like sugars and foods with little or no nutritional value.
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for seniors, who can have an increased risk of health problems if they are underweight. It can be challenging for some older people to gain weight and keep their weight at a healthy level. By choosing nutrient-dense foods, lean meats, and healthy fats, you are well on your way to a healthy body weight.
Conclusion
Unexplained weight loss is common in older adults, but it should not be ignored. If you are losing weight rapidly, consult your physician to ensure there are no underlying medical conditions, especially if you're over the age of 65.
