Study Shows That Malnourishment Is Major Problem Among Elderly

Developing A New Strategy For Reducing This Serious Health Risk

Many professionals working in health care facilities were shocked when a recent national study identified malnourishment as a serious problem among America’s elderly population.

How could this be possible in America, where the food resources are possibly the best in the world and so highly abundant?

The study which was conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates in Washington D.C. revealed that doctors and nurses specializing in caring for elderly estimate that approximately one-half of all elderly patients are malnourished. The study also indicated that two in five nursing home residents are malnourished.

These statistics are staggering. They are a grave concern to all health care facility professionals. Even more staggering is the fact that technology exists that is still untapped, yet could dramatically reduce the incidence of malnutrition among the elderly.

One important reason behind many of these alarming cases is fundamental. The vast majority of malnourished elderly people have lost their appetite and food no longer tastes as good to them. Secondly, many suffer from dysphagia or swallowing difficulties whereby eating is a chore and not a pleasurable experience.

The loss of the eating function has serious physical and emotional ramifications for these patients. Not only is food vital to life and continued good health, but it has psychological significance as well. There is a sense of comfort, security, and well being when we eat. Food nourishes the soul as well as the body.

To overcome the challenge of their suffering, professionals have found new solutions - creating more appetizing and appealing alternatives to standard foods and beverages. Total meal replacement beverages such as MedPass or ProPass contain all of the protein, calories, vitamins and minerals that will help keep the elderly better nourished.

For those persons that are malnourished due to dysphagia or swallowing difficulties, there are “thickened” products that allow the elderly to consume products that they have lost the ability to consume such as water, juice or even milk. Products under the Thick & Easy brand offer a wide assortment of pre-thickened beverages, pureed side dishes and powdered drink mixes to provide a variety of alternatives for the elderly.

Likewise some people like the taste of a given food or beverage, but because it is too thin they can no longer consume those products. Thick & Easy also has a powdered food and beverage3thickener so that you can thicken the products they have grown to love.

With the culinary advances and new technologies there is now a wide range of products to help the elderly combat malnutrition. Hopefully the word will get out and then it can be fully addressed.

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