The holiday season is filled with twinkling lights, delicious aromas, and meals shared with loved ones — but for many older adults, swallowing can be a challenge. This difficulty, called dysphagia, becomes more common with age and can make eating uncomfortable or even unsafe. When food or drink doesn’t move down the esophagus properly, it may enter the airway and cause coughing, choking, or aspiration, which can lead to dehydration or infections. The good news is that with a few simple strategies, you can continue enjoying your favorite holiday foods safely.
- Focus on Eating: Avoid talking while chewing or drinking to prevent food from entering the airway.
- Soft Foods: Choose tender, moist options like mashed potatoes, casseroles, or puddings.
- Sit Tall: Stay upright during meals and for 20–30 minutes afterward to help food move safely.
- Add Moisture: Use broth, gravy, or sauces to make dry foods easier to swallow.
- Savor Every Bite: Eat slowly to help your muscles work well and lower choking risk.
- Small Bites, Small Sips: Take small portions to reduce coughing or choking.
FUN FACT: Each time you swallow, over 25 muscles work together to move food from your mouth to your stomach.
If you often choke or have trouble swallowing during meals, talk with your doctor about Speech Therapy. A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) can assess your swallowing and provide personalized strategies and exercises to make eating safer and more comfortable.