Unhealthy Senior Weight Loss: What to Do When Your Loved One Starts Losing Too Much Weight


i-medical
One of the most painful and inevitable frustrations of caring for an aging adult is the inability to read minds and to properly understand everything that comes with a changing body. You don’t always know what’s normal and what isn’t. Seeing a loved one lose weight suddenly might seem normal; after all, we expect aging’s tide to bring with it a certain amount of erosion, and so we find it natural. However, while weight loss is normal, rapid weight loss can be a canary in the coal mine, a symptom of a much larger problem. If an older adult starts losing too much weight, it’s important to quickly find out the underlying causes, so that you can work to reverse a dangerous tide.

Why Do Older Adults Suddenly Lose Weight?

There are a number of reasons that an older adult may suddenly lose weight. They can include the following:

  • Cancer. Weight loss is a classic sign of many forms of cancer, which is one reason this symptom needs to be addressed ASAP.[1. “Weight Loss,” November 2014, https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/side-effects/weight-loss.]
  • Gastrointestinal issues. Constipation, a common affliction with older adults, can cause weight loss by stopping an appetite in its tracks.
  • Depression. People with depression can sometimes be too sad, lonely, or apathetic to feel like cooking or even eating.
  • Dementia. Older adults who have dementia sometimes forget to eat, but dementia is also often associated with a decreased appetite.[2.“Encouraging eating: Advice for at-home dementia caregivers,” December 1, 2006, https://www.nia.nih.gov/espanol/alzheimers/features/encouraging-eating-advice-home-dementia-caregivers/]
  • Diabetes. As we age, our bodies often don’t make enough insulin, and this interferes with the body’s ability to use glucose for energy. When that happens, the body starts using fat and muscle for energy, and too much weight loss can result.
  • Loss of taste and smell. Part of the aging process involves sensory decrease. When food no longer smells or tastes appetizing, your loved one may not eat enough of it to maintain their weight.
  • Dental problems. Cavities, ill-fitting dentures, sensitive teeth, and other issues can make eating painful and result in weight loss.

What to Do About Rapid Senior Weight Loss

The solutions for rapid senior weight loss differ according to the cause of the problem. Possible resolutions include the following:

  • Promptly seek a doctor’s help. This should be the first step with any unexplained weight loss. But it is especially important to rule out diseases such as cancer and diabetes – or begin treating them if needed.
  • Find appropriate medication. Prescription drugs and dietary supplements can go a long way to addressing issues such as hyperthyroidism, or the loss of appetite that comes with sensory decrease.
  • Consult a psychologist. Diseases such as dementia and depression need to be dealt with as swiftly and thoroughly as any other physical illness.
  • See a dentist. Sometimes, something as simple as getting cavities filled, having a fluoride treatment, or procuring a new set of dentures can help a person enjoy food again.
  • Get things moving. If your loved one suffers from constipation not caused by a serious illness, there are some simple remedies. Merely increasing their fluid intake, fiber, or the amount of exercise they do can help get things “moving” again,

Don’t Put Off Dealing with Rapid Senior Weight Loss

If you notice your loved one losing weight quickly and can’t explain why, schedule a medical checkup as soon as possible. This is especially important if they are already at an ideal weight – or already underweight. It could just be something as benign as the side effect of a new medication, but there’s no sense in taking chances. The sooner you find out the cause, the sooner you can address what could be a serious health concern for your loved one.
If you’re unsure how to best help an aging loved one, the trained and compassionate staff at the Institute on Aging is here to help you make that decision and gain the best in at-home care for older adults. Contact us to find out more.

Institute on Aging

Institute on Aging

Related Posts

Questions?

Give our dedicated Client Service Specialists a call. We are ready to help.

Follow Us

As we approach the end of #SocialWorkMonth, Institute on Aging would like to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible work being done by all of our Community Living Fund and HomeSafe social workers.

These dedicated professionals have shown unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care to clients and building strong, vibrant communities. We are consistently impressed by the passion and expertise they bring to their work and their ability to connect with clients in meaningful ways. Our CLF and HomeSafe social workers have risen to this challenge time and time again, going above and beyond to support the individuals and families they serve.

At Institute on Aging, we are grateful every day for our social work teams' hard work and dedication. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to these outstanding professionals for all they do to make a difference in our clients' and communities' lives. You truly embody the spirit of social work, and we are honored to have you as part of our team.

#ThankYou #SocialWork #Appreciation #SocialWorkers #Gratitude #SocialWorkerAppreciation
Sophia became a part of the Community Living Fund team in December 2022, joining at a critical time when additional coverage was required for certain cases. Additionally, CLF was in the process of introducing a new assessment and implementing CalAim services for San Francisco members.

Sophia has been an essential contributor to these ongoing initiatives while effectively managing a caseload of Intensive Case Management (ICM) clients. We were thrilled to receive positive feedback about her support for the TRCS program, which demonstrates her dedication to the agency's mission. CLF is grateful to have a Case Manager like Sophia, who is passionate about serving San Francisco's vulnerable population.

#SocialWorkMonth #WeAppreciateyou #ThankYou #SupportatHome #CaseManager #SocialWorkerAppreciation
Three and a half years ago, Maggie Fang started her journey as an Assessment Specialist in the Support at Home Program at IOA. Her excellent people skills enabled her to manage a caseload of older adults and individuals with disabilities, helping them receive homecare to age in place. Maggie was selected to pioneer the Temporary Respite Caregiver Support program, and we are delighted to have such a skilled and dedicated individual leading our newest program at IOA. Thank you, Maggie, for your exceptional work! 

#SocialWorkMonth #WeAppreciateyou #ThankYou #SupportatHome #CaseManager #SocialWorkerAppreciation
Join us at the Adult Day Program at the Enrichment Center as Caregiver Coach Alex shares with us the incredible support and care provided to participants living with dementia. Clients enjoy various engaging activities, from music therapy to art classes, designed to stimulate their cognitive and physical abilities. The skilled staff at the Enrichment Center also provides caregivers with much-needed support and respite, allowing them to take a break and attend to their needs. If you or someone you know is looking for support in caring for a loved one with dementia, the Adult Day Program at the Enrichment Center in the Presidio is an excellent resource for you! 

Learn more by visiting the link in our bio! 

#DementiaCare #EnrichmentCenter #AdultDayProgram #CaregiverSupport #Presidio #Dementia #Memory #Caregiver