Hi,
I would be really grateful if you can advise me what foods would be best for my mother who is around 65 years old and has become very weak.
She has also gained weight, about 10-12kg due to inactivity mainly due to severe back and knee pain.
She can't eat much due to very low appetite. I would appreciate if you can be specific about the foods and their quantities.
Her current diet:
Breakfast = 1 or 1/2 slice of bread with 1 or 1/2 cup milk
Lunch = 1 or 1/2 slice of bread with mix vegetable curry or some type of soup (about 1 small cup).
Dinner = Same as lunch but with less quantity.
I keep requesting her to include more protein such as eggs and also oatmeal[1 egg or small cup of oats made in milk], she has started but can't eat regularly.
I'm very concerned of her becoming weak since I noticed her grip strength and activity level becoming considerably reduced.
She is also unable to drink water adequately, currently she only drinks maybe 2-3 glasses.
Please also consider diabetes and high blood pressure in mind before providing a suitable diet.
Watching your parents get old is indeed one of the scariest things.
Thank you very much.
Your mother really needs to see a doctor to be evaluated.
That possibility isn't anything to view lightly, which is why the OP needs to get her in to see as doctor ASAP.
A nutritionist can help, but a doctor is required to determine if diabetes is an factor. And if she is, a nutritionist can then help, but possible diabetes is a major concern.
I think she isn't snacking, her energy levels are very low.
It might be fluid retention, she used to experience this in her feet.
She has been on the borderline of being diabetic, but her bigger problems are high blood pressure and chronic back and knee pain.
Yes I have to get her checked up by a doctor and also contact a dietitian asap.
If pain is keeping your mother inactive and that contributes to her lack of appetite and her weakness, then in addition to good nutritional advice it may be advisable to treat the pain, as the source of the problems.
Before we knew that my husband had congestive heart failure (CHF) he could gain 10 to 15 pounds in a short period without apparently taking in extra calories. That was water weight! He lived with CHF for decades. Knowing that you have it and following a treatment plan can be hugely successful.
Again, I am very pleased that you are taking her to a doctor!
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