Volume 2, issue 9

Dear Dr. Tastebud,

My elderly neighbor recently lost his wife of 50
years. He has no extended family close by, and
I have noticed him becoming leaner. He has
been tending to his yard less than he was
before his loss. I am worried about his health
and was wondering what I can do to help him.
Sincerely,
Super Concerned
Dear Super Concerned,
Many elderly citizens are facing isolating
situations as they lose their spouses and their
children move away for careers and other life
opportunities. Generally, men are more affected
by the loss of their spouse than women are, so it
is not uncommon for men to become
malnourished and more isolated than their
female counterparts. It sounds like your
neighbor is facing malnourishment due to
depression and isolation after the loss of his
wife.
Depression in the elderly

Symptoms of Malnutrition
If your neighbor seems to be losing weight and
becoming more withdrawn, encourage him to
visit his doctor for a physical examination. It is
also a good idea to check in on him routinely to
ensure he is doing alright. Here are some of the
symptoms of malnutrition.

Weight Loss
Lack of Energy
Not able to perform usual tasks
Depression

Prevention of Isolation and Malnourishment

There are many senior programs that encourage
socialization of elder citizens to help reduce the
effects of depression and isolation. With
decreased depression, there also tends to be less
incidence of malnutrition because the person is
more willing to eat, even alone. Some of these
programs provide meals at senior centers to
reduce isolation while eating and encourage
more intake and better nutrition to everyone in
attendance.

Depression affects nearly 6 million Americans

age 65 and older with only 10 % seeking
treatment. It differs from depression in other
age groups because it can increase risk of
cardiovascular disease. It can also be
detrimental to the immune system, increasing
the risk of death from illness. Depression with
spousal loss can be even more devastating
because in many cases the spouse prepared all
meals, and the remaining spouse is unable to
cook. As a result, malnourishment can lead to a
premature death.
Presented by the BGSU Dietetics Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences

Nutrients to Combat Depression

Senior Transportation

Maintaining proper nutrient balance is a great

way to help combat depression in seniors.
Ensuring adequate amounts of Vitamin D and
B12 will help to reduce the effects of depression
in seniors. If your neighbor is unable to proper
nutrition balances, see if he is willing to take a
multivitamin supplement in addition to his
normal diet. If he refuses this, try to add in
nutritional shakes, such as Ensure, to help him
get the nutrients he needs. A nutritional shake
may also help increase his calorie and protein
intake on a regular basis, helping to maintain his
weight and energy. Another way to help your
neighbor consume more nutrients and calories is
to bring him food, or invite him over. This will
help by getting him food that he does not have
to make, but is still nutritious.

More often seniors are losing the ability to drive

around and run errands or socialize. This
decrease in mobility can also contribute to an
increase in isolation and depression. Various
services offer transportation to seniors for
different activities such as shopping, doctors
appointments, even get togethers at senior
centers and churches. This allows for more
mobility to older populations, reducing the
feelings of isolation. Check your local area for
services provided to you.

Getting seniors to be more active

A great way for reducing isolation in seniors is

to get them out more with others, doing
meaningful activities. Offer to take your
neighbor to a senior fitness class, or go on walks
with him to give him time outside. Not only
will this get your neighbor active, it will
give him someone to converse and spend time
with, helping to reduce his time alone and
depression. Reduction in depression will
increase favorable behaviors, allowing him to
maintain his health as he adjusts to solo living.
Doing this may also help you with being more
active as well! Check your area to see if there
are senior walking groups at local parks or
trails, or fitness classes at your local senior
center.

Counseling Services
Group meals are very useful in combating
senior depression and malnutrition, however
these meals alone may not be enough to change
a seniors mindset. Counseling and support
groups can be used in furthering socialization
with others. These can also be used as a tool in
coping with the loss of a loved one. Programs
such as Living Through Loss and those
through the Hospice Foundation of America can
provide counselling services. Churches and
other organizations also have support groups for
people of all ages. These programs may also be
close enough for your neighbor to go to without
assistance, making it easier for him to attend.

For Additional Information, Please Visit

www.wccoa.net
www.hospicefoundation.org
www.choosemyplate.gov

Presented by the BGSU Dietetics Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences