Why do the elderly have trouble swallowing?
Aging. Due to natural aging and normal wear and tear on the esophagus as well as a greater risk of certain conditions, such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease, older adults are at higher risk of swallowing difficulties.
How can elderly improve their swallowing?
As example, you may be asked to:
- Inhale and hold your breath very tightly.
- Pretend to gargle while holding your tongue back as far as possible.
- Pretend to yawn while holding your tongue back as far as possible.
- Do a dry swallow, squeezing all of your swallowing muscles as tightly as you can.
How do you feed an elderly person who can’t swallow?
Avoid feeding them breads with raisins, nuts or seeds, along with hard, dry crackers or cereals. If they can tolerate thin liquids, first moisten the cereal, bread or crackers with milk or another liquid. Rice or pastas that are well-cooked are also good choices for those with a swallowing impairment.
How do you cure swallowing problems?
Treatment for dysphagia includes:
- Exercises for your swallowing muscles. If you have a problem with your brain, nerves, or muscles, you may need to do exercises to train your muscles to work together to help you swallow.
- Changing the foods you eat.
- Dilation.
- Endoscopy.
- Surgery.
- Medicines.
What to feed someone who has trouble swallowing?
Choose foods that are easy to swallow. Try breakfast foods like instant oatmeal, grits, pancakes, waffles, and cold cereal that has been softened in milk. For a main dish, try chicken, tuna or egg salad, soups and stews, soft cooked fish, tofu, and meatloaf.
How do you make swallowing easier?
Use mealtime tactics to make swallowing easier.
- Eat 5 or 6 small meals each day instead of 3 large meals.
- Cook foods until they are soft and tender.
- Moisten and soften foods with gravy, sauces, broth, or yogurt.
- Consume liquids with meals.
- Sip drinks through a straw; this may make them easier to swallow.