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Posted By
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June 11, 2008, 8:45 pm
Flag as Inappropriate lavender
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Subject
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Eating Enough
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As my parents get older they seem to not only shrink due to bone mass loss, but also the fact that they barely eat 2,000 calories a day. They don't want to use something like Ensure to make sure they get enough nutrients and calories, but they won't eat more either. They normally have a small breakfast and a larger dinner but nothing in between. Is this common for seniors?
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Comments
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June 12, 2008, 8:30 am
Flag as Inappropriate Cossette says...
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Don't worry , it's pretty normal to seniours since the capacity of digestive organ decreases during old age.Thus, results to loss of appetite.
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June 12, 2008, 8:41 am
Flag as Inappropriate skatss says...
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If you are worried about their nutrition, instead of telling them about it, you might just buy some Ensure or some other nutrition supplement and leave it in their house. Maybe you should get another supplement that hasn't been known to be fed to really sick people in hospitals. Maybe get one that's aimed at athletes.
That way you can tell them that many people are using it because more people want good nutrition. Just try it first to make sure it tastes good. Let them know that it's yummy and that you use it too.
If they don't feel like eating, that is the best way to get the nutrition. You can also ask their doctors if they are OK. If they are, then you don't need to worry. They might be eating well and just do not need that much food at this stage of life.
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June 12, 2008, 12:41 pm
Flag as Inappropriate DianaR says...
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Even though they are eating less and getting smaller, this is an artifact of aging. They are probably less active as well, and adding calories to their diet may create a new problem with obesity or diabetes becoming an added burden.
Please try to enjoy them as they are.
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June 12, 2008, 8:26 pm
Flag as Inappropriate Mesha says...
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I agree about them not needing so much calories because they are not using as much energy as they normally do since they are unable to move about fast and cover a lot of ground.
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June 23, 2008, 8:23 am
Flag as Inappropriate Simplyme says...
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Very good points made and I agree it is a part of the aging process. Anything that goes hand and hand can be scary to some as well as confusing. But unless they are looking "unhealthy" I would not let yourself stress about it. And if you have further concerns then ask to attend a Dr's appointment with them and discuss it with their Dr.
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