You Are What You Eat

We've all heard the saying, "You are what you eat." But what if you're eating almost nothing? What if breakfast is a cup of coffee and a few crumbs from a coffee cake?

I'm not asking this question for you. I'm asking it for your parents.

Over the last month, I visited both my mother and my husband's parents. What struck me was that both households had nearly empty refrigerators. The reasons were different, but the result was the same: neither was getting the nutrition they needed.

As we age, some weight loss can be considered normal. Seniors often experience changes in appetite, taste, smell, activity levels, and metabolism. However, significant or rapid weight loss should never be ignored. It is often a warning sign that something deeper is happening.

The first question to ask is: Why?

Is your parent forgetting to eat?

Are they forgetting to grocery shop?

Do they no longer have the energy to prepare meals?

If memory is the issue, the solution may be simple. Consider grocery delivery services, meal delivery programs, setting reminders on their phone, or making a daily call to encourage them to eat.

Sometimes the issue isn't memory at all.

In many households, one spouse has always handled the cooking. If that person becomes ill, spends time in the hospital, or is recovering from surgery, the entire household routine can be disrupted. Suddenly, neither person is eating properly.

Again, there are solutions. Family members can help stock the refrigerator, arrange meal deliveries, or use services such as DoorDash, Instacart, Walmart Delivery, Meals on Wheels, or local senior nutrition programs.

Proper nutrition is especially important for seniors who take multiple medications. A change in eating habits can affect medication schedules, reduce effectiveness, and increase the risk of side effects.

When assessing nutrition, don't focus solely on food. Two critical areas are often overlooked:

1. Water Intake

Dehydration is one of the most common and dangerous issues among seniors.

Low fluid intake can contribute to urinary tract infections (UTIs), confusion, dizziness, falls, and hospitalizations.

What's interesting is that UTIs often present differently in older adults than they do in younger people. Instead of frequent urination, urgency, or a burning sensation, seniors may experience:

• Increased confusion

• Sudden changes in behavior

• Increased incontinence

• Weakness

• Falls

• Symptoms that resemble dementia

Many families are surprised to learn that what appears to be a cognitive decline may actually be dehydration or a urinary tract infection.

2. Protein Intake

Protein becomes increasingly important as we age because it helps maintain muscle mass, strength, balance, and overall health.

Signs of protein deficiency may include:

• Muscle loss

• Weakness

• Swelling in the legs or feet

• Slow wound healing

• Hair thinning

• Skin changes

Without adequate protein, seniors become more vulnerable to falls, illness, and loss of independence.

The Takeaway

An empty refrigerator is often more than an empty refrigerator.

It can be a warning sign of memory loss, illness, depression, isolation, financial concerns, caregiver burnout, or a disruption in daily routines.

The next time you visit your parents, don't just ask how they're doing.

Open the refrigerator.

Take a look in the pantry.

Ask what they ate today.

Sometimes the smallest observations reveal the biggest concerns—and addressing them early can help your loved one stay healthier, safer, and independent for longer.

Stay Inspired,

Shonda Brock
Founder, Start Smart Plus (SSP)