When we talk about eating disorders, we usually tag them as “teenager’s problems.” But did you know that eating disorders in older adults are also a pressing concern? In fact, research shows that among older adults aged 40 and above, about 2 to 7.7% of women and 1% of men meet the diagnostic criteria for eating disorders. These eating disorders include anorexia nervosa (extreme fear of weight gain and distorted body image), bulimia nervosa (cycles of binge eating and purging), and binge eating disorder (compulsive overeating).
Anorexia in boomers, or any other kind of eating disorder, can be quite complicated. Often, it coexists with other health issues such as osteoporosis, heart disease, or diabetes. Why is this issue on the rise? Here are ten reasons.
1. Physical Factors
Have you ever noticed an elderly loved one losing weight or seemingly unusually tired? If they are also skipping meals more often, these could be signs of eating disorders in the elderly. One common culprit involves the physical challenges that naturally come with aging. For instance, they may find difficulty shopping for food or preparing meals. They may also find it hard to eat due to ill-fitting dentures. Sensory impairments like vision or hearing loss can further complicate their ability to maintain proper senior nutrition.
2. Medical Problems
Apart from physical factors, physical medical problems can also cause eating disorders in older adults. If someone has diabetes, dementia, cancer, heart disease, or kidney issues, they may experience reduced appetite. Meanwhile, disorders like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Parkinson’s disease, and gastrointestinal diseases can exacerbate malabsorption and energy imbalance. All these can make it harder for seniors to meet their dietary needs.
3. Mental Health Issues
There’s a delicate link between mental health and aging. When people age, they experience all sorts of things — from grief and declining physical health to social isolation. And all of these can impact their mental well-being. Statistics show that depression affects 1 to 5% of seniors living in the general community. The rates go three times higher for those in home healthcare or hospitals. Mental health disorders can influence their eating behaviors, often leading to substantial weight loss.
4. Medications
Seniors often face different health challenges, thus requiring them to take multiple medications to manage their conditions. However, medications themselves can sometimes cause unintended problems. These include eating disorders in older adults. Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs can lead to side effects like malabsorption, gastrointestinal issues, and appetite loss. Meanwhile, treatments like chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation can also suppress hunger, which can also lead to or amplify existing dietary issues.
5. Social Factors
Socio-economic inequality. Loneliness and social withdrawal. Living alone. All these social factors can be causes of eating disorders in seniors. They’re, in fact, some of the retirement fears of baby boomers. Even when they are in long-term care settings where meals are provided, seniors may also face hurdles such as monotonous meals and uninviting dining environments. When the elderly experience such concerns, they often lose their appetite and exhibit a lack of energy. Ultimately, it can lead to further health decline.
6. Persistent Body Image Issues
Some things don’t fade with age — including body image concerns. One landmark study showed that among women aged 61 to 92, weight was their greatest concern. To maintain their desired weight (and shape), many resort to restrictive diets. Yes, even when unnecessary. These body image issues in older adults can be quite problematic. They can cause eating disorders in older adults, and these can further lead to dangerous weight loss, malnutrition, and worsening health conditions.
7. Divorce or Relationship Problems
Divorce is tough at any age. But it becomes a much bleaker story in the case of older adults. Simply put, it can be totally life-altering. Whether it’s due to differences, loss of connection, or other delicate reasons, marital fallout brings forth a host of issues. These include emotional stress, legal battles, disrupted routines — and yes, even eating disorders. For some, coping with major changes like this means developing disordered eating habits. It only underscores how aging and eating disorders can both exacerbate the pain one goes through during such a difficult time.
8. Menopause
Like aging, menopause is but a natural part of women’s lives. It happens when someone hasn’t menstruated for 12 months. It also has transitionary phases called perimenopause and postmenopause. Experts note that women experiencing menopause are at a higher risk of experiencing eating disorders. This link between eating disorders and menopause is intricate. It stems from the psychological battles that senior women face during this period, ranging from mood swings to depression and anxiety.
9. Retirement
Picture yourself not working after decades of doing so. No more schedules, no more deadlines, no more workplace responsibilities. While it may paint an optimistic picture of freedom, retirement has its downsides: loss of routine, identity struggles, and even feelings of isolation.
These challenges can weigh heavily on boomers. Often, it takes a toll on their mental and physical well-being. In some cases, they can also lead to eating disorders in older adults. When their daily routine gets altered, and they feel burdened with emotional stress, it can disrupt healthy eating habits and self-care routines.
10. Changes in Living Environment or Situation
Big life changes are inevitable. Boomers may experience living alone due to children moving out or the death of a partner. They may also move into a care facility or downsize a lifelong home. All these can have a huge emotional impact. Like divorce or retirement, these shifts often disrupt routines and create feelings of loss or loneliness. They also contribute to stress — which, when not addressed, can lead to eating disorders in older adults.
Addressing Anorexia in Baby Boomers
Eating disorders like anorexia know no age. From physical and mental factors to major life events, there are several reasons behind the rise of eating disorders in boomers. If you’re curious about how to help a senior with an eating disorder, here’s one thing to keep in mind — eating disorder treatment for seniors is quite different. Healthcare professionals consider coexisting challenges like health issues, social isolation, and financial limitations.
For your part, you can start by researching. Explore eating disorder resources for older adults and educate yourself about possible treatment options. Remember: Taking action now can help save the lives of seniors in need, and they could be someone you love.