Q: Why do swallowing difficulties increase with age?
A: Aging affects muscles, nerves, and coordination. Older adults often experience:
- Reduced tongue and throat strength
- Slower swallowing reflex
- Dry mouth from medications
- Dental issues or ill-fitting dentures
- Increased risk of reflux or aspiration
These changes make eating less efficient and sometimes unsafe.
Q: What are signs of swallowing problems in older adults?
A: Families should watch for:
- Coughing or choking while eating or drinking
- Frequent throat clearing
- Wet or gurgly voice after swallowing
- Food sticking in the throat or chest
- Unexplained weight loss or dehydration
- Recurrent pneumonia or chest infections
- Avoidance of certain foods or mealtime anxiety
Q: What are the risks if swallowing issues aren’t addressed?
A: Untreated swallowing problems (dysphagia) can lead to:
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Social withdrawal or mealtime isolation
- Reduced overall quality of life
Q: How does therapy help older adults with swallowing challenges?
A: At BreatheWorks, therapy supports safe eating by:
- Swallow retraining: Exercises to strengthen oral and throat muscles
- Oral motor therapy: Improving tongue and lip control
- Posture and positioning strategies: Safer swallowing angles
- Breathing and airway coordination: Preventing aspiration
- Diet coaching: Safe modifications while maintaining dignity and nutrition
Q: How does therapy support families and caregivers?
A: We coach families to:
- Recognize signs of unsafe swallowing
- Use safe feeding techniques at home
- Reduce mealtime stress
- Support dignity and independence at the table
Q: What medical factors should be ruled out?
A: Collaboration is key. We often partner with:
- Primary care physicians & geriatricians (overall health management)
- ENTs & GI specialists (airway or reflux evaluation)
- Dentists (dentures, bite, oral health)
- Speech-language pathologists in hospitals for acute care
Q: Can swallowing therapy for older adults be done virtually?
A: Yes. Telehealth is safe and effective for older adults, especially when travel is difficult. Virtual care includes:
- Live therapist-guided swallowing exercises
- Mealtime observation and feedback
- Caregiver coaching for daily support
- Progress monitoring from home
Q: Where does BreatheWorks provide care?
A:
- In-person clinics: Portland, OR • Eugene, OR • Lake Oswego, OR • Bellevue, WA • Amarillo, TX
- Virtual therapy: Available nationwide
Quick FAQs
Is coughing while eating a normal part of aging?
No—persistent coughing at meals signals swallowing dysfunction.
Can therapy prevent aspiration pneumonia?
Yes—therapy improves swallowing safety and reduces aspiration risk.
Does dehydration happen with swallowing problems?
Yes—older adults may avoid drinking due to coughing, raising dehydration risk.
How long does therapy take?
Improvements can begin within weeks, with continued progress over several months.
Next Steps
If your loved one struggles with swallowing,myofunctional therapy can improve safety, nutrition, and quality of life.
- Schedule a swallowing evaluation (in-person or virtual)
- Providers: Refer an older adult for swallowing therapy
