keeping the peace during a nursing home transition

Whether it is due to a chronic disease or trouble chewing food, gaining weight can be difficult for some senior citizens. If your elderly loved one is underweight, she is more likely to suffer osteoporosis and have decreased immunity. To improve your family member's health, help her gain weight. Here are five tips for seniors who need to gain weight:

1. Choose Nutrient Dense Foods

While foods like pizza, hamburgers and chips can make your senior loved one gain weight, they are filled with sodium and saturated fats. Eating too many unhealthy foods can lead to chronic disease like heart disease and high blood pressure. Instead, encourage your family member to eat nutrient dense foods like fish, chicken, whole grain bread, vegetables and fruits. These foods offer the nutrients your loved one needs to stay healthy and strong.

2. Add Healthy Beverages

While you want your senior loved one to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, adding other beverages to her diet can increase her calorie intake. For example, you could make your family member a peanut butter and banana smoothie. It's packed with protein and potassium and won't add unhealthy fats to her diet.

3. Encourage Exercise

Exercise is not just good for weight loss; it can also encourage weight gain. Regular physical activity can help build muscle and increase your elderly loved one's appetite. Make sure your senior family member incorporates both cardiovascular and strength training exercises to her routine.

4. Add Spices to Food

If your senior loved one's taste buds have decreased, try adding spices to her food. Spices will add flavor to the food and encourage your family member to eat more food. For example, if you are cooking pasta, add plenty of basil, oregano and garlic salt to it.

5. Check Medications

If your senior family member is underweight, it is a good idea to check her medications. Some medicines can cause swallowing difficulties or nausea, which can decrease your loved one's appetite. If you think the medicine your loved one takes is preventing her from eating enough, talk to her doctor about possibly switching medications.

If you follow these helpful tips, you can help your elderly loved one put on weight and get healthy. However, if she is still having difficulties gaining weight, you should have her see a doctor soon. A physician or assisted living professional can determine if an underlying condition is preventing your loved one from gaining weight.