“The mealtime environment plays a very important role in promoting adequate intake.Reducing distractions, maintaining adequate lighting, and using appropriate utensils can assist in maximizing how much he eats. Try interacting with him at mealtime. Provide encouragement and reminders for him to complete his meal. Also, observe if he has difficulties chewing or swallowing. If so, consider softer or pureed foods.”
“ Consider high calorie snacks such as pudding, ice cream,” she added. “A better and more natural option that any artificial supplements would be homemade smoothies. High calorie, high-protein ingredients can include avocado, bananas, yogurt, silken tofu and protein powder.”
Lazar added that “Food First” is the best approach to solving your husband’s under-eating.
"Doing what you can to increase his caloric intake — hopefully with more healthful foods than sweets — will likely improve your husband’s energy level and disposition. And if testing shows that your husband has nutritional or absorption deficiencies, a nutrition expert will know how to rectify these issues through diet and/or supplements."
To find a registered dietitian and nutritionist who specializes in geriatric nutrition, use the referral service offered by EatRight.org which allows you to search by zipcode and specialty.