{"id":2012,"date":"2020-09-30T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-09-30T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.boomershub.com\/?p=2012"},"modified":"2023-08-31T07:10:40","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T07:10:40","slug":"healthy-senior-weight-gain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boomershub.com\/blog\/healthy-senior-weight-gain","title":{"rendered":"How to Gain Weight for Seniors: Basic Ideas"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Introduction<\/h2>\n

When we consider weight management, we might think weight loss is the issue most people face. But some people may also have trouble keeping weight on. Being underweight can also put you at risk for health issues. This issue is persistent in senior citizens too since with age, the\u00a0metabolism slows down<\/a>\u00a0and bodies require fewer calories to function. \u00a0<\/p>\n

So, are you a senior who has been struggling to maintain your weight? Are you finding it harder and harder to eat enough food each day? Don’t despair! There are things you can do to gain weight and stay healthy. In this blog post, we’ll outline some tips for healthy weight gain for seniors. Keep reading for more information.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What Causes Unintentional Weight Loss in Older Adults?<\/h2>\n

According to the\u00a0Mayo Clinic<\/a>, several factors can lead to unplanned weight loss, including medical and non-medical causes, such as:<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Medical conditions that interfere with appetite or cause digestive problems<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Inability to independently buy groceries or cook<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Feeling isolated or depressed<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Problems swallowing or chewing<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Not being able to taste food properly<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind assisted living facilities near you<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Effects of Unintentional Weight Loss<\/span><\/h2>\n

Significant unintentional weight loss in people that are over age 65 can have serious consequences. According to\u00a0American Family Physician<\/a>, weight loss of more than a 5% reduction in body weight over six to 12 months is associated with increased mortality.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Depending on the amount of weight your lost and whether you are underweight, you may also have adverse effects, including:<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Increased risk of illness<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Muscle loss<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Decrease the ability to perform tasks of daily living<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Increased fatigue or weakness<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind independent living facilities near you<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

What Are Some Safe Ways to Gain Healthy Weight for Seniors?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Seniors<\/figure>\n

Before trying to gain weight, it\u2019s best to talk with your doctor to determine a\u00a0healthy weight gain<\/a>\u00a0goal. Your doctor may also give you tips on what types of food you should avoid. You may have dietary restrictions, such as a low salt or gluten-free diet if you have certain medical conditions.<\/p>\n

But there are some general suggestions for seniors to gain weight safely, including the following:<\/p>\n

1. Consider eating smaller meals more often\u00a0<\/h3>\n

In some cases, older adults may get full fast, which causes them to take in too few calories to maintain their weight. Instead of eating three large meals a day, consider eating four or five smaller meals. Also, limit how much water you drink at your meals, which may fill you up too fast. It\u2019s important to stay well hydrated. So, be sure to drink plenty of liquids when you\u2019re not eating a meal.<\/p>\n

2. Add more flavor<\/h3>\n

According to the\u00a0National Institute on Aging<\/a>, our sense of smell and taste can change as we grow older. Both taste and smell affect how we enjoy food. If your taste buds and sense of smell change, you might find you have even less interest in food. To make food more appealing, consider adding spices, such as pepper, rosemary, and garlic.\u00a0<\/p>\n

3. Choose foods with the right texture<\/h3>\n

Certain foods might be hard to chew or swallow if you have any problems with your teeth. If some foods are too hard to chew, swap it out for a softer version.<\/p>\n

4. Add healthy fats\u00a0<\/h3>\n

In the past, fat got a bad rap. Although too much trans fat and saturated fat are unhealthy, we need a certain amount of healthy fat. Healthy fats, including polyunsaturated fat, help you maintain a healthy cholesterol level. Healthy fats also are high in calories. Consider adding olive oil, nuts, and avocados to dishes for a few extra calories.\u00a0<\/p>\n

5. Get active\u00a0<\/h3>\n

It might seem that exercising would not be advisable for someone that is trying to gain weight. But staying active may help increase your appetite. Strength training may be a great option since it also helps build muscle and may help with weight gain.<\/p>\n

6. Ask your doctor about supplements<\/h3>\n

If you are not getting the proper nutrients from your meals, you might need to take supplements. But before you take any type of supplement, talk with your doctor to make sure it is appropriate for you.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind memory care facilities near you<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Some Foods to Help Elderly Gain Weight\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If your elderly loved one is underweight, speak to their doctor about whether they would benefit from adding some high-calorie foods to their diet. Try incorporating some of these into their meals:\u00a0<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Nuts and nut butter:<\/strong>\u00a0Almonds, peanuts, and walnuts are all high in calories and protein. Add them to oatmeal, peanut butter, or trail mix for a quick and easy way to boost your loved one’s calorie intake. Nut butters can also be spread on toast or added to smoothies.\u00a0<\/li>\n
  2. Cheese:\u00a0<\/strong>Cheese is high-calorie,\u00a0high-fat food<\/a>\u00a0that is a good source of protein and calcium. Serve it with crackers, bread, or fruit for a filling snack or meal. Apart from that whole milk and yogurt can help support healthy weight gain.\u00a0<\/li>\n
  3. Avocados:<\/strong>\u00a0Avocados are packed with healthy fats that can help boost your loved one’s calorie intake. Add avocado slices to sandwiches or salads, or mash it up and add it to smoothies or sauces.\u00a0<\/li>\n
  4. Coconut oil:\u00a0<\/strong>Coconut oil is a healthy fat that is high in calories. Use it as a cooking oil, add it to smoothies, or use it as a\u00a0skin moisturizer for elderly<\/a>\u00a0people who are struggling with weight gain.\u00a0<\/li>\n
  5. Meat and eggs:\u00a0<\/strong>These two foods are high in protein and calories, which can help to increase weight and muscle mass. Additionally, they are both affordable and easily accessible, making them a great choice for those looking to add some extra pounds.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Weight gain supplements<\/h2>\n

    Sometimes weight gain supplements could be used in conjunction with a well-rounded eating plan and regular exercise. However, \u00a0it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating any new supplements into the routine.\u00a0 That being said, here are some commonly recommended and generally safe supplements that may support healthy weight gain:<\/p>\n

    Weight gain supplements for men<\/h3>\n