Many elderly people choke while eating. This is because aging causes a decline in oral nerves, muscles, and reaction speed, leading to errors during the process of food passing down the esophagus. How can this be prevented?

 

When food enters the mouth, the brain automatically moves the oral and esophageal muscles to send the food down to the stomach. At this time, the epiglottis (a structure that covers the entrance of the larynx like a lid) closes to prevent the food from entering the airway. However, as people age, the epiglottis may not fully block the airway, allowing food to pass down. During this process, choking occurs as the person tries to clear the food.

If choking is left untreated, it can progress to 'dysphagia,' which makes it difficult to swallow food properly and causes food to enter the airway, or lead to 'aspiration pneumonia,' which occurs when food enters the lungs and bacteria proliferate. Dysphagia is quite common, affecting one in three elderly people. Preventing choking is a way to prevent the progression of dysphagia or aspiration pneumonia.

 

To prevent choking, keep your back straight during meals and tilt your chin downward as much as possible. It is advisable to eat slowly so that the muscles of the throat and esophagus can move sufficiently.

 

Instead of drinking water or soup directly from a cup or bowl, it is better to use a straw or scoop small amounts with a spoon. Even if you do not choke, if you feel a sensation of gurgling or tightness in your throat after eating, you should start practicing eating habits to prevent choking.

 

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I tend to get sore throats easily.

Sit up straight when eating.

It means tilting your chin as far downward as possible.

 

Mom straightened her back at the dining table

"Always pretending to eat"

That's why maintaining proper posture is important.