Keeping Up Weight and Energy in the Elderly
"I'm not hungry. I hate fish. This tastes awful."
This was spoken by an elderly woman who had not eaten in several hours, and who loved fish. Sadly, this is not uncommon. As people age, the tastebuds can deteriorate, as can the sense of smell. This can lead to food tasting bland and "awful", no matter how seasoned and delicious it may be.
Maintaining proper weight can be very difficult for some. When loss of appetite is a daily struggle, it can be hard not only to keep the weight on, but to take in the appropriate amount of nutrients each day, as well.
If your loved one suddenly becomes irritable or disoriented, or has issues with slurred speech, you might naturally think the worst. However, these can simply be the side effects of low blood sugar from improper diet. Other signs might include discomfort, grogginess, sleepiness, weakness, or vertigo.
In those with dementia, hunger may not be communicated. It is important to keep some snacks on hand for fast access when your loved one needs some calories quickly.
For an adult with no dietary restrictions, a snack tray can be a helpful addition to your daily schedule. It can be specifically tailored to your loved one's needs and likes, but here are 5 ideas for healthy snack tray combinations to get you started:
Elderly Snack Trays
No matter what type of food you have on the tray, it is safer to change it out frequently to keep food fresh.
Monday
Morning Snack Tray:
- Cinnamon Toast Fingers (Make regular cinnamon toast and slice into strips)
- Raisins
- Hard boiled egg slices
- Apple slices
- Peanut Butter for dipping apples
Afternoon Snack Tray:
- Cheese cubes
- Baked potato or tortilla chips
- Salsa or dip
- Cherry tomatoes
- Ham or turkey cubes
Tuesday
Morning Snack Tray
- Mini pancakes
- Small sausage links
- Banana slices
- Yogurt for dipping bananas
- Blueberries
Afternoon Snack Tray
- Baby carrots with dip (hummus or other bean dip is great for adding protein)
- Miniature meatballs
- Pretzels
- Grapes
Wednesday
Morning Snack Tray
- Turkey bacon bites
- Pineapple chunks
- Crackers with cream cheese spread
- Snack mix with nuts and sunflower seeds
Afternoon Snack Tray
- Grilled cheese sandwich cutouts (cutouts look more appealing)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Baby dill pickles
- Chips or Pretzels with dip
Thursday
Morning Snack Tray
- Ham cubes
- Fruit chunks
- Cottage cheese
- Toast bites or crackers for spreading
Afternoon Snack Tray
- Deviled eggs (or egg salad for spreading)
- Crackers
- Chicken cubes or fried chicken bites/nuggets
- Olives
- Vegetable snacks such as carrots, celery and bell pepper
- Popcorn
Friday
Morning Snack Tray
- Peanut butter graham cracker sandwiches
- Dried Fruit
- Trail or snack mix
Afternoon Snack Tray
- Mini pizza bites
- Chips or pretzels with dip
- Veggie slices
- Pears or Apples
Other Ideas:
The samples above are rather limited. There are many options available from both the fresh and frozen sections of the store. If you are cramped for time, it is better to use canned or frozen than it is to not provide snacks at all. Just remember to provide a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fruits/vegetables.
- Spinach Dip
- Fish fingers
- Potato puffs
- Rice cakes
- Dried cereals
- Jerky
- Canned meat spreads
- Marshmallows
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli
- Cucumber
- Tofu chunks
- Tuna salad and crackers
- Cubed granola bars
- Cheese crackers
- Small cookie bites
- Mini-muffins
- Deli meats rolled up and skewered with toothpick or pretzel stick
These sound pretty much like regular meals, however when the food is cut into smaller sections, it looks less daunting. Knowing they don't have to eat everything "right now" can encourage the elderly (just like small children) to graze whenever they are hungry or just curious about how something tastes.
Remember Food Safety
Please practice food safety. If meats, eggs, or dairy products are not eaten do not return them to the fridge. If you think the tray will be out for a long time, make a separate tray for spoilable foods (including dips) and keep in cold until your loved one shows interest in eating.Remind everyone to wash their hands before touching the food on the tray.
If your loved one has issues with chewing or swallowing, or is on any type of restriction, simply alter the tray around their needs.
Make it a Family Tradition
Rather than pushing or nagging at your loved one to eat, simply place the tray in a convenient place and let everyone know it is available. Keep it stocked with enough snacks for all family members. Low pressure meals are better tasting meals.
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