Overeating is probably one of the uncommon problems of old age. Furthermore, it is easy for our senior parents to tend to fall easy prey to it. Also, overeating does not always occur due to hunger or fondness towards a particular food. But many times, it is the resultant reaction of emotional stress-eating.
Emotional Overeating
As a matter of fact, it is the result of emotional stress and boredom. And is much more of a serious issue than caregivers can even realize. Another key point is, this affects a majority of the geriatric population. In this case, we need to control emotional overeating to save them from various conditions.
`Tweet “Overeating is probably one of the uncommon problems of old age.”`
Loneliness and depression are culprits of overeating
It is equally important to realize; loneliness is almost an inevitable trend in old age. In fact, the majority of senior parents are often victims of depression and loneliness. In other words, the sudden loss of independence due to illness or accidents. Coupled with isolation and its associated frustration. This can together contribute to emotional overeating in old age.
Defining emotional overeating
Another key point, it is nothing more than a form of binge eating. Wherein our loved ones tend to seek solace from food. Furthermore, our loved ones begin to consider food as a means of driving away their boredom and overcoming their loneliness and sadness. Also, senior parents in daycare centers are more prone to practice such a form of binge eating. Despite this, they feel angry and frustrated with not being able to live life on their terms. In other words, they take food in place of love.
Food craving
In fact, according to research, our stress response system does play a vital role in how our body craves food. Furthermore, when we experience stress, it is difficult for the neurochemicals to create function normally. In other words, causing the body to release stress hormones known as glucocorticoids. These glucocorticoids cause the typical cravings for sugar and carbohydrate-rich foods.
Soothing Indulgence
In addition, indulging in foods high in fats and carbohydrates is pretty soothing and can really help calm and soothe our seniors. As a result, this is why a bar of chocolate after a tiring day feels so soothing and good. Simple carbohydrates instantly lit up our moods. They soothe our emotions and temporarily make us happy. However, once in a while, indulgence is acceptable. It is important to realize that making a habit of overeating carbohydrate and fat-rich foods can be harmful to our senior parents. For this reason, family caregivers should be watchful about the pattern of their parents.
Reasons why your loved one is overeating
It is important to realize; there are various reasons why our loved ones turn to food for deriving emotional comfort. Another key point is, the sudden change in their lives due to illness, accidents, change of location, etc., may all coax them to overeat. Once in a while, it does not pose serious problems. Regularly practicing it can certainly call for serious health risks to sneak in.
`Tweet “It is important to realize, there are various reasons why our loved ones turn to food for deriving emotional comfort.”`
Various reasons that contribute to emotional overeating
Deteriorating health
With advancing age, health usually takes a back seat. Affecting the mobility of our parents. Accepting such a change is difficult for our parents. And they may experience a kind of emotional turmoil. To deal with such a situation, our parents may turn to food to find comfort and solace.
Depression
The sudden change in health condition. The loss of a partner or family, friend, to death are all possible causes of depression in our parents. Experiencing depression often becomes one of the potential triggers of emotional overeating.
Loneliness
It is normal for our parents to experience loneliness after a certain age. Deterioration in health, immobility, and loss of independence. This all contributes to loneliness in our parents.
Signs that our loved ones are overeating
Struggling with it has become a common problem. With many seniors falling victim to such a practice. Recognizing the signs of overeating is very necessary to address the issue. And to make solid solutions for the same.
Important indications of overeating.
Your senior parents reach out for high sugar foods instead of healthy alternatives.
They feel hungry soon after eating a meal.
Your parents prefer junk food for all the meals of the day. They don’t like the regular food served and always order junk food for themselves.
You always observe your parents eat something or other.
You find your senior loved one to become cranky or angry when their comfort food is not available in the house.
Your parents continue to eat when they should have stopped after an appropriate proportion.
They seem to eat large snacks between regular meals.
All the above-mentioned signs indicate a serious problem of emotional overeating. However, the good news is that we can control it. And solved with the help of family and friends.
Our senior’s addiction to emotional overeating is a common problem. And we can prevent it by following some simple steps.
Practice stress-relieving techniques.
Since emotional stress is the foundation of emotional overeating, it is necessary to encourage them. To practice stress-relieving techniques to drive away stress. You can ask them to practice meditation regularly. Try yoga and also indulge in physical exercises daily. Walking every day for at least 30 minutes has shown to not only keep them healthy. But also significantly reduces their stress.
Identify triggers.
It becomes essential to identify those triggers that upset your parents emotionally. Certain comments, situations, or conditions can put them under stress. And this will upset their mood. Recognizing such triggers and finding ways to deal with them. This is necessary to curb overeating which inadvertently follows an emotional outburst.
Keep healthy food handy.
Certain “healthy” foods can help your body overcome the effects of stress. And also help decrease the cravings for sugar and carbohydrate-rich food. Consider keeping fruits where your parents are instead of reaching for their comfort foods. You can even keep washed fruits and vegetables, seeds, and nuts in the refrigerator.
Eat slowly.
Eating fast or gulping down food with minimal chewing is one of the major signs of overeating. Eating fast can trick your brain into signaling the body to eat more food to satisfy hunger. Therefore, you can ask your parents to eat slowly and chew the food properly before swallowing it.
Talk to your parents.
It is necessary to talk to your parents regarding overeating. And its associated harmful effects. Make your parents aware of the various health risks if they indulge in overeating regularly.
Conclusion
All the above-mentioned tips are sure to help caregivers. This will help their elderly loved ones control their habit of overeating. It can be difficult to attend to your loved one with overeating, but it’s not impossible. With the right knowledge, you can do this. Don’t forget about taking care of yourself and keeping your business going while you are caregiving. I’m here to assist you on this journey. Schedule your planning session with me so we can look at how to keep your life and your business running smoothly. For more information, check out this site. Also, for information, check out these posts on preparing and serving food and learning to shop for food.
This information is not meant as a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice and consultation. When differences exist between the information here and information given to you by your healthcare provider(s), you should follow the advice of your healthcare provider(s). Any additional information or clarification needed should be sought from the Physician, Practitioner, Speech Pathologist, or nutritionist familiar with the individual’s health and medical conditions.
Caregiving – The big three elements of caregiving Emotional – Caregiving can be very rewarding. But other parts can be overwhelming, angry, confusing and disorganized. In my experience, you need the following Patience’s Grace Tactful Manners Organizational Skill Physical – Caregiving can be exhausting. But with proper rest and organization, you can overcome anything….
The battle between skin cancer and elderly The past few decades have seen a sudden rise in the incidence of skin cancer. Especially in the elderly population. According to Cancer Research UK. Seniors are more likely to not be aware of the harmful effects of sun exposure. This fuels the development of skin cancer…
The problem of leg cramps in the elderly The first thing to remember, muscle cramps, especially in the legs is common among the older population. For this reason, individuals above 65 years experience leg cramps more often than their younger counterparts. Also, leg cramps or muscle cramps, also known as Charley horses. As a result,…
Getting older and what to know Getting older is tough, but if you know what to expect it can be enjoyable. Do you know what to expect from your retirement years? Think again. Healthy, happy aging is about more than retirement distributions and mobility aids. If you want to make the most of getting older…
It’s time to be heard as a caregiver Do you realize that since the Pandemic started, there has been and continues to be a lack of being heard as a caregiver? Those who felt they were safe and followed the status quo have been shaken to their own core and may never regain their footing….
What are senior scams It is important to realize, senior scams or elderly scams are a common form of fraud, which our aging parents are likely to fall prey to. Another key point is, our parents work very hard to save money that would help them sail through their old age. Sadly, they are on…
Smart Tips To Help You With Overeating Now!
Enter your E-mail address below to receive your free copy of these bonus tips.
We guarantee 100% privacy. Your information will not be shared.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.