Seniors and Foodborne Illness

Why Elders Are Prone to Food Poisoning

Often older adults (generally considered those 65 years +) get the stomach flu, leading to nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. But is it really the stomach flu?

Although elders may think it's simply a bug that's going around, it's likely that it's a foodborne illness. In other words, perhaps it's food poisoning. Why are senior citizens especially prone to food poisoning?

1.
As we age, our senses of taste and smell are diminished. These senses are key in letting us know when food is past its prime. Older adults may not realize that food smells and tastes like it has gone bad.

2.
Older adults may be unaware of dated foods. Foods that are dated as "best before" as relatively new. Elders may not realize that they should check for these dates. Also, many of the dates are in very small print. Seniors may not be able to read the print.

3.
Isolation may make grocery shopping difficult. If a senior citizen knows that they are unable to make it to the store for several more days, he or she may be more likely to eat food that's questionable.

4.
Elders may be on a fixed income. Many seniors live frugally and may feel guilty about throwing food out, even if it's past its prime.

5.
Older adults have compromised immune systems. A younger person may not become ill from eating spoiled food. An elder, who does not have a similar immune response, may not be able to fight off bacteria from food that has gone bad. This may also explain why we don't always recognize something as a foodborne illness; two people may eat the same food but only one becomes ill.

6.
Food safety guidelines may not have been followed. Older adults who live alone may be especially prone to leaving food out when it should be refrigerated or otherwise compromising food safety. If this is a serious problem for an elder, dementia may be to blame.