Generally, aging adults eat less than younger people, mostly as a result of a decrease in appetite. This can lead to weight loss. However, being underweight can expose aging adults to multiple health complications. Hence the need for aging adults to increase calories to gain more weight. These are ways retirement communities in Dunwoody, GA, will help your loved one gain weight:
Encourage Calorie Rich Foods
Foods that are rich in calories are one of the options to help your loved ones gain weight. Although, aging adults rarely eat as much as they did in their younger days, it’s important they eat foods like avocados, beans, bananas, dried fruits, and other food rich in calories. These foods are not only rich in nutrients, but they’re easy to consume.
Retirement communities have a specialized meal plan for each resident. Before moving into the community, a proper evaluation is done to determine a meal plan suitable for your loved one. Therefore, food rich in calories will be on an aging adult’s meal plan if needed.
Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements are an excellent way to increase calorie intake in aging adults. These supplements are readily available, and don’t have to be prescribed by a doctor. They can be taken during meals, and the supplements can be added to liquids to gain a healthy weight. For example, supplements like vitamin-fortified powders, and ready-to-drink beverages can help aging adults gain weight.
Nutritionists and dieticians are part of team members in retirement communities, so they can provide the best information on the right supplements for aging adults. Gaining a healthy weight becomes easier for your loved one, as they have all the encouragement and information they need.
More Nutritious Food
In addition to adding foods rich in calories to your loved one’s diet, proteins and healthy fats are also recommended. Since aging adults lose appetite with age, ensure the food is small, but frequent. While eating, the liquid intake should be reduced to prevent feelings of fullness.
Even though you want to add more nutrients to your loved one’s food, you might cross the line. However, retirement communities understand the right amount of nutrients that must be present in their meal plan.
Increase Appetite
According to Mayo Clinic, it’s recommended that you involve a doctor if you want to increase your loved one’s appetite. Retirement communities have different doctors, and can easily determine whether to lift diet restrictions to increase residents’ appetite. In some cases, there might be a change in medication to help your loved one more.
These communities have strategies and information to increase the appetite of your loved one, and help them gain more weight.
Increased Activities
Retirement communities have many activities and programs to keep your loved ones engaged and help them stretch some muscles. Engaging in exercises and other activities like a walk around the neighborhood will help aging adults gain weight. This is because burning calories will increase their appetite for food. During these activities, they’re closely monitored, to help them avoid injuries or taking too much liquid that can lower their appetite for food.
