With aging, metabolism slows down, and the number of calories needed decreases somewhat when activity and exercise are reduced. The senses of smell and taste might also decrease as people age, making food less enjoyable. This can lead to under-eating. It is, therefore, very important to provide a healthful diet to older people, one rich in nutrients and vitamins. Advice for an older person's diet is fresh vegetables, fruit, fluids, and fiber daily, and keeping alcohol and caffeine to a minimum. An occasional sweet is fine, just don't over do it. Use variety and moderation when preparing meals, and remember, the longer a person has lived, the less strict the diet should be.
An older person who is underweight should consume more calories, especially foods high in protein, such as cheese, eggs, fish, meat, and milk. Depending on what is causing the weight loss, there are many ways to help the older person gain weight. A doctor or nutritionist can offer good advice to help improve appetite. (An exception to this rule is a person who is nearing the end of life [within days or weeks] when a decrease in appetite is to be expected.)
Older people who are underweight have weakened immune systems which interfere with their ability to fight off infections. They are also at greater risk for diseases such as anemia (low red blood cell count) and osteoporosis and have a greater risk of developing pressure ulcers (bed sores).
Being underweight can be a signal of a number of serious problems including cancer, heart failure, dementia, malnutrition, and depression. Also, being underweight can affect a person's balance and lead to serious falls. A clue that a person is underweight is the appearance of pressure sores on the body caused by too little flesh to cushion bones against the bed or chair. The following formula can be used to determine if a person is at or is close to an acceptable weight:
Women: 100 pounds for the first 5 feet
and 5 pounds for every 1 inch over 5 feet
Men: 106 pounds for the first 5 feet and 6 pounds for every 1 inch over 5 feet.
