Weight Loss in the Elderly

Deciding whether to use a feeding tube is a complex matter, especially for older patients. Family caregivers should understand why and when tube feeding is appropriate in case they must make this choice for their loved one someday.

Caregivers know that seniors need proper nutrition in order to maintain and improve their health, but how do we make this happen when they don’t want to eat?

Caregivers are often stumped when elders lose their appetite or stop eating altogether. Weigh the pros and cons of incorporating a supplement shake into an elder’s diet.

As we age, eating often becomes more of a chore than a pleasure. Look for these signs that a senior is not eating well and use these tips to prevent malnutrition.

When an elderly loved one stops eating or only picks at their food during meals, usually our first reaction is to urge them to eat. Instead, consider the underlying reasons for their loss of appetite and how they can be addressed.

The slow and unpredictable progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias often makes it tricky for families and even doctors to determine when to bring in hospice. Use these guidelines to decide if a loved one is a candidate for end-of-life care.

Older adults often start to lose their senses as they age, making them more susceptible to injury and harm.

Working around age-related changes in appetite and food preferences can be tricky for family caregivers. Try these tasty tips to help your loved one maintain a healthy weight and get the vital nutrients they need.

Eating is often difficult for a cancer-stricken senior. But the weakness and fatigue associated with not getting enough nutrients can give cancer the upper hand. Learn how to make sure your loved one is getting the food they need.

Seniors suffer daily with pain and disability from arthritis. Rest, exercise, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, and learning the right way to use and protect the joints are key to living with any kind of arthritis.

When fighting cancer, many of the most effective treatments can be accompanied by debilitating side effects. Here's how caregivers can help.

Signs your parent may need help include sudden or significant changes in behavior, physical function, appearance, cognition, memory, or judgment.

Many older adults experience a loss of taste and no longer enjoy the foods they once loved. Depending on the underlying cause, a doctor may be able to suggest treatment options and methods of coping with this problem.

Aging adults often develop a preference for sweeter foods, making it challenging for them to get proper nutrition. Use these tips and ideas for delicious desserts that also meet seniors’ dietary needs.

Much to their caregivers’ dismay, many seniors experience appetite loss and even refuse to eat as they get older. Keep these tasty, nutritious and easy-to-prepare foods on hand to entice your loved one to eat and help them maintain a healthy weight.

The loss of smell with age is a natural and common phenomenon. While changes in sense of smell are a minor annoyance for most, they can affect a senior’s eating habits and may point to underlying health issues.