YiXiang Furniture

When we think of choking, children often come to mind. But in reality, older adults are at even higher risk. Especially for seniors living alone, a choking incident can quickly become fatal if help isn’t available.

Alarming Statistics
Every year, more than 4,100 adults aged 65 and older in the U.S. die from choking—accounting for nearly 75% of all choking-related deaths. The risk increases significantly around age 71.

Why Are Seniors More Likely to Choke?
1.Physical Decline
Aging slows down our reflexes and weakens the muscles involved in chewing and swallowing, making it easier for food to block the airway.

2.Dental Issues
Missing teeth or loose dentures can make chewing difficult. Large pieces of food that are not chewed properly can become lodged in the throat.

3.Chronic Health Conditions
Diseases such as stroke, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s impair swallowing ability. Certain medications also cause dry mouth, further increasing choking risk.

4.Eating Alone
Many seniors eat without supervision. In the event of choking, there may be no one around to assist in time.

5.High-Risk Foods
Foods like steak, whole nuts, hard candies, sticky rice cakes, and caramel can easily block the airway.

How to Prevent Choking in Seniors: Practical Tips
1.Choose Safer Foods
Cut food into small, bite-sized pieces

Avoid whole nuts, hard candies, sticky foods, and large chunks of meat

Choose ground meats or stews over steak or pork chops

Cook vegetables until soft

Encourage drinking water during meals to help with swallowing

2.Adjust Eating Habits
Eat slowly and chew thoroughly

Don’t talk or laugh with food in your mouth

Sit upright and focus on the meal—avoid distractions like TV or reading

Stay hydrated throughout the meal

3.Prioritize Dental Health
Ensure dentures fit well

Visit the dentist regularly

Opt for softer food if chewing is difficult

4.Work With Healthcare Providers
Report any swallowing difficulties to your doctor

Review medications that may cause dry mouth

Manage chronic conditions that affect swallowing with professional support

What to Do If a Senior Is Choking
Common signs of choking include: inability to speak or cough, clutching the throat, turning red or blue, or losing consciousness.

Emergency Steps:
Step 1: Call emergency services immediately (e.g., 911).

Step 2: If the person can cough or make noise, encourage them to keep coughing.
Do not pat them on the back while they’re still able to breathe or cough.

Step 3: If the person cannot cough, talk, or breathe, perform the Heimlich maneuver:

Stand behind them and wrap your arms around their waist

Make a fist and place it just above the navel

Cover your fist with your other hand

Deliver quick, upward thrusts into their abdomen

Repeat until the object is expelled or they lose consciousness

Step 4: If the person loses consciousness, begin CPR if you are trained.

For Someone in a Wheelchair
Stand behind the chair and follow the same Heimlich procedure

If you cannot reach, help them lean forward and perform firm back blows between the shoulder blades

Warning About Anti-Choking Devices
Several anti-choking suction devices are available on the market. However, as of April 2024, the U.S. FDA has not approved any of these products, citing a lack of evidence for safety and effectiveness.

Important: No matter what tools or techniques you use, always call emergency services immediately in a choking incident. Professional medical assistance is critical.