What to do when the elderly lose appetite in the summer
During the summer, many housewives ask what to do when the elderly in their families have poor appetites and how to regulate their poor appetites. Indeed, the elderly have poor digestion, which inevitably leads to poor appetites. So what should the elderly with poor appetites eat? Let's analyze the way to maintain health for you.
During the summer, with the hot and sweaty weather, most people lose their appetites, especially the elderly. Some elderly people with feelings of depression, oppression, and desolation may benefit from arrangements where multiple people eat together. They can have meals with nearby elderly people or eat with family members of different ages. Experts believe that a lively dining atmosphere can change the mood of the elderly and increase their appetites.
Why do the elderly have poor appetites?
1. Digestive ability
The elderly have significantly reduced digestive function, and their stomachs are prone to cold. This can affect their appetites in the long run.
2. Degeneration of taste buds
As age increases, bodily functions gradually deteriorate, resulting in a gradual weakening of the elderly's ability to perceive the taste of food. They cannot fully enjoy the deliciousness of food, which leads to poor appetites.
3. Dietary factors
Unscientific diets, such as excessive consumption of raw and cold foods and greasy foods, can also affect the appetites of the elderly.
Some medications that can stimulate appetite
1. Flavorful sauces and gravies
In general, the elderly should consume less salt and sugar. Following this principle, when cooking, use a small amount of sugar and salt for seasoning, and then pour the heavily seasoned sauce or gravy over the dish, or thicken the sauce. Another method is to pour sauce over boiled food before eating. This way, the sweetness and saltiness only lightly coat the surface of the food, satisfying the taste buds' desires without worrying about excessive intake of salt and sugar.
2. Sugar substitutes and low-sodium alternatives
Another method is to use sugar substitutes and low-sodium alternatives instead of regular sugar and salt. This can satisfy the desire for sweetness without compromising health, making it suitable for elderly people with diabetes. Additionally, low-sodium salt and reduced-salt soy sauce can be used, but they are not suitable for elderly people with poor kidney function.
3. Enjoy warm and fragrant dishes
Controlling the aroma of food is also important, as it stimulates the appetite. Controlling the temperature of the food is a crucial step in locking in the aroma, so the food should be eaten while still hot or have hot sauce poured over it just before serving to achieve satisfactory results.
Another approach is to add some flavor enhancers to the food. These types of seasonings are made from concentrated natural food aromas and do not irritate the stomach. They are very helpful for elderly people who have lost their sense of taste and have poor appetites.
