Helping you is our privilege
Sometimes, an eating disorder can start or come back later in life. Health issues, losing a loved one, or feeling alone are common triggers.
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For older adults, eating disorders can cause weak bones, a lack of nutrition, or other health conditions to get worse. But it's important to know that people can get better at any age.
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When we notice potential signs of an eating disorder in ourselves or those we love, we can get the help and support needed to truly make a difference.
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Eating disorder signs
Anorexia in older adults involves restricting food driven by a fear of gaining weight.
This can result in dangerous weight loss, malnutrition, and serious health problems like frailty or osteoporosis.
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Bulimia involves overeating, followed by vomiting, excessive exercise or using laxatives to prevent weight gain.
For older adults, these actions may come from a need to control weight, cope with guilt or a dissatisfaction with body image.
Binge eating disorder in older adults includes eating large amounts of food in a short period, often with feelings of shame and guilt.
For older adults, binge eating is often a coping mechanism for emotions like grief, loneliness or boredom.
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ARFID in older adults includes avoiding certain foods or only eating a very limited range of foods.
This doesn’t stem from a concern about weight but instead from sensory sensitivities, past negative food experiences or difficulty eating due to physical or psychological factors.
Services for different care needs
At Mindfullness, we offer a range of personalized services to support you and your loves ones in your recovery:
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One-on-one therapy: You'll work with a therapist experienced in treating seniors with eating disorders. The goal is to help you understand your relationship with food and begin to heal in a supportive, understanding environment.
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Family and caregiver therapy: Eating disorders can impact family dynamics. Our family therapy sessions are designed to help loved ones understand your journey and learn how to offer support in healthy, productive ways.
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Intuitive eating: This approach helps you reconnect with your body’s natural hunger cues, fostering a healthier relationship with food. This therapy encourages eating for nourishment and pleasure, not for restriction or guilt.
What you'll learn with us
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How to challenge negative thoughts about food, weight and body image
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Practical strategies to break the cycle of restrictive eating or binging
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Techniques to manage stress, anxiety and emotions without turning to food
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​Healthy coping techniques that don’t involve food or restriction
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A balanced relationship with food based on medical needs
What you can expect in each session
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A safe, compassionate space where you are listened to without judgment
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Tailored treatment plans focused on your individual needs
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Ability to develop coping skills and strategies for managing food-related anxiety
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Collaborative care to focus on self-esteem and creating a positive body image
Eating disorders affect older adults differently
Nearly
60%
of elderly people with an eating disorder also had a co-occurring mental health disorder, with the most common being major depression.*
*National Library of Medicine: Eating disorders in the elderly
Trust us to help you take the first step
As an older adult, you may be facing some unique challenges—whether it's coping with loss, navigating changes or dealing with the struggles that come with aging. These times can feel overwhelming, especially if you're facing them alone. At Mindfulness, we’ve spent over 13 years creating a safe space for healing. I’m here to support and guide you through your journey toward healing.​​
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