Poor nutrition is all too common in older adults. Close to half are lacking in at least one important nutrient, studies show. While a deficient diet may be to blame, health problems in later life can also make it hard to eat properly. It could be troubles with chewing, swallowing or dry mouth. Impaired motor or cognitive skills can also interfere with eating.

Don't let these problems make you lose out on nourishment. Try these strategies to make meals enjoyable again.

Chewing difficulty

Dental problems can make chewing a challenge. This includes loose or missing teeth, ill-fitting dentures, periodontal disease or cavities. Jaw bone deterioration or decreased saliva could also make it hard to chew. Talk to your dentist to see if treatment is available. Watching what you eat also makes a difference.

• Get out the blender. Chop and puree raw vegetables and fruits, or make juices.
• Eat soft foods like mashed potatoes, eggs, cheese, yogurt or cooked cereals.
• Choose canned or cooked fruits, not raw.
• Cook food till tender and cut into small pieces.
• Add sauces.

Swallowing problems

If you've had a stroke or were treated for head and neck cancer, swallowing problems are common. The trouble may also be due to a neurologic or muscle disease, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Parkinson's disease. To make food go down easier:

• Check the food texture. Opt for purees or thick or semi-thick liquids like creamed soup. Avoid foods that are hard, chewy, slippery or sticky.
• Sit upright while you eat and don't tilt your head back.
• Take small bites and moisten food first.
• Swallow three times to clear what's in your mouth before taking another bite.
• Suck lozenges or hard candies to keep your throat moist.
• Ask your doctor or rehab therapist about oral-motor exercises to strengthen the muscles used for swallowing.

Dry mouth

Radiation therapy or medications can decrease your saliva production. This can cause swallowing, chewing and digestion problems. To compensate, you can:

• Drink water before meals to moisten your mouth.
• Choose moist foods, like pudding, mashed potatoes, clear soup or stew.
• Add sauces or gravy to foods. Use them to soften bread or crackers.
• Chew on pickles or fresh lemon slices before eating. This may produce more saliva.

Alzheimer's disease or dementia

Some people with dementia forget how to eat, refuse to chew or swallow, or throw food. If you are the caregiver:

• Serve meals when all is calm. Play soft music to soothe agitation.
• Limit distractions during meals. Turn off the TV and remove unneeded items on the table.
• Serve one food at a time so the meal is not overwhelming.
• If the person won't eat, try feeding again in 15 minutes.
• Cut up food, butter bread and open packets to make self-feeding easier.
• Serve finger foods if using utensils is a challenge.
• Demonstrate eating motions so the person can copy you if needed. Prompt him or her to "take a bite," or "chew."

Other impairments

Conditions from arthritis to multiple sclerosis can make the motions needed to eat a challenge. Here, special assistive devices may be helpful.

• For a poor grip, use cups with two handles and utensils with large handles.
• Rubber place mats can prevent sliding plates.
• Use plates with raised sides and cups with lids to avoid spills.
• Large utensils with contrasting colors are best for the seeing-impaired.
• Special cutlery is available that clips to a plastic hand strap if fingers are weak.

If you have any of these eating problems, you may find that having four to five smaller meals per day is easier than having three large ones. For eating problems that persist, talk to your doctor. There are medications, dental appliances and surgical options to treat some of these conditions.

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