Eating Disorders in the elderly

It is important to note that most cases of eating disorders in the elderly are not to appease a distorted self image issue that is common amongst adolescents with an eating disorder. The elderly usually suffer from anorexia if any eating disorder. There are a number of reasons for this, however it is very rarely intended weight loss.

Elderly find adjusting to their bodies changing difficult, they may feel restricted by the things their bodies cannot allow them to do anymore, back pains, illnesses that might have encroached over the years can cause depression.

Another reason for a development of anorexia in the elderly is the inability to actually visit the supermarket or prepare adequate meals. As we ages the body decreases in muscle mass and bone density, enduring physical activity is thus harder. Walking to the shops, carrying baskets and standing in cues often becomes out of the question for some, especially if they have injuries or other illnesses. Often they make do with trips to the nearest shop for basic requirements, they therefore are lacking in a balanced diet.

There are some cases amongst the elderly whereby self-image is the motivating element behind the eating disorder. Usually triggered during the menopause where the individual struggles with feeling purposeless and no longer being required or ‘needed’ by their children. This can be an emotional trigger. Another reason may well be a reduced metabolism or the onset of diabetes for example causing a weight gain. It is possible therefore for an older individual to initiate negative behaviours towards food in order to try to reverse these changes or gain control over their body once again. It is often difficult for people who are aging to cope with the changes their body makes, such as the menopause in women, simply a slowed metabolism or resuction in energetic status.

Much like in the changes adolescent individuals experience, similar attitudes can be developed by older individuals. If an older person has themselves suffered from an eating disorder as an adolescent, they are more likely to revert to previous behaviours in the onset of physical changes/emotional difficulties. This can sometimes prevail in the elderly and cause detrimental health problems for the individual, more so than teenagers or young adults as their bodies are older and less able to cope with starvation.

Loss of motivation; the elderly can often lose the motivation and drive to look after their personal needs, including nutrition. Neglecting themselves is a common trait amongst the elderly. Reasons for this lack of motivation may be depression caused by death of a loved one especially a spouse; this can remove the ‘want’ to take care of themselves.

The inability to cook their own meal can either be from lack of electricity due to low funds or severe arthritis for example preventing cutting of vegetables and general preparation tasks.

The population of elderly people who live off a state pension can often find it difficult to sustain themselves. State pensions are certainly not ample for one to live comfortably especially in the winter months. Often individuals may find themselves choosing between hot water, heated homes or a nutritious shopping list. A compromise is usually made between them and it is easy to be undernourished as a result of low funds.

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