To address these nutritional challenges, specific dietary adjustments are necessary:

• Nutrient-Dense Foods: Incorporating foods high in nutrients but not necessarily high in calories is crucial, especially for those with a reduced appetite. Foods like oatmeal, bananas, and cooked vegetables can be easier to consume and digest.
• Smoothies and Soups: These can be excellent ways for the elderly to consume the necessary vitamins and minerals without the need to chew hard foods.
• Dietary Supplements: Given the common nutritional gaps in elderly diets, supplements can play a vital role. They should be tailored to individual needs based on regular health assessments by healthcare providers.

Nutritionists and Dietitians

• Personalized Meal Planning: Nutritionists specialize in creating customized meal plans that take into account the medical conditions, dietary restrictions, and personal preferences of the elderly. These meal plans are designed to be nutrient-dense, addressing specific deficiencies or dietary needs.
• Education and Counseling: They also provide valuable education to both patients and their family members about the importance of nutrition in ageing. This includes advice on how to incorporate certain foods into the diet and tips for meal preparation that can help maintain an interest in eating.

Occupational Therapists

• Adaptive Techniques and Tools: Occupational therapists play a crucial role for those elderly patients who struggle with physical limitations that affect their ability to eat. They recommend and teach the use of adaptive utensils and feeding techniques that can help individuals eat independently despite disabilities such as arthritis or neurological impairments.
• Environmental Modifications: They also advise on modifications in the home to make eating and food preparation easier and safer. This might include setting up the kitchen to be more accessible or modifying the dining area to accommodate mobility aids.