“I am the main carer for my husband, who is frail and elderly. I do the shopping and prepare the meals. My husband always enjoyed his food in the past, but in the last few months, he has lost his appetite, and now only seems willing to eat sugary snacks, such as chocolate and biscuits as well as crisps. I worry that he isn’t having a healthy diet or getting enough vitamins. How can I encourage him to eat more balanced meals?”
Thank you for contacting us – it is understandable that this issue is causing you concern.
It is not uncommon for people to have a reduced appetite as they get older and also to experience changing tastes including preferring to eat sweet, sugary foods.
Talking to a GP is advisable if you’re worried and would like to discuss your husband’s dietary intake, it is also a good idea to let them know that you are his carer.
Arranging a check-up may reassure you and help rule out any underlying causes for you husband’s change in appetite, particularly if there is also any weight loss. The GP can provide advice around eating and drinking and may refer your husband to a nutritionist.
You may find the following sources of advice and guidance useful in helping you focus on encouraging your husband to eat more healthily.
Care UK have some helpful guides:
Top 10 tips for eating as we age
This NHS guidance may also be useful:
NHS How to support someone you care for with eating
How to cut down on sugar in your diet
You may also find it helpful to connect with other carers who are experiencing similar issues, if so please do check out our website events pages
