Eating Disorders Eating Disorders & Older People Risk Factors For Developing An Eating Disorder At An Older Age
Risk Factors for Developing an Eating Disorder at an Older Age
There are a number of stressful events issues that occur during middle and old age which are potential risk factors in developing an eating disorder for at-risk personality types.
These issues are most prominent for older people who have previously recovered from an eating disorder and may relapse into old behaviours as a result of triggering events; however eating disorders can develop at any age or stage of life.
Below is a list of potential trigger situations for middle-aged and older people. Often under these circumstances some people turn to food for comfort, while others might turn to food restriction in a bid to gain control over external situations:
- A devastating loss or trauma such as the death of a loved one, divorce or life-threatening disease
- Increased stress associated with caring for ageing parents as well as children and possibly grandchildren
- Heightened body dissatisfaction resulting from the ageing process whereby the body’s metabolism slows, wrinkles appear and hair greys. This can leave older people feeling self conscious as their appearance naturally moves away from cultural ideals of beauty, such as slimness and youth
- Lifestyle changes which can lead to weight gain and body dissatisfaction. These may include less regular exercise (sometimes due to physical problems) and/or increased time and access to restaurant meals and food preparation during retirement
- Changes in family structure. Many parents feel an overwhelming sense of loneliness when their children leave home or as their own parents age
- Stress associated with economic concerns in the face of supporting children leaving home and in the lead up to retirement
- Some people experience a loss of identity as they venture out of the workforce and into retirement, this can result in feelings of low self esteem, boredom and worthlessness
Of course this is just a brief example of some of the issues facing older people. These may trigger disordered eating behaviours in some, but certainly not the majority.
Alternatively, it is not uncommon for a person of any age to develop an eating disorder as a result of internal psychological issues, such as low self esteem, and without any external situation as a specific trigger.
Please click here to view a list of common risk factors.
Last revision date: Monday, 06 February 2012 12:56
