What Should Seniors Know About Appetite Changes?
Appetite often decreases with age, and various conditions can further reduce desire to eat. Understanding appetite changes helps seniors maintain adequate nutrition despite diminished hunger.
Why Appetite Changes with Age
Physiological changes reduce appetite naturally. Metabolism slows, reducing calorie needs. Stomach capacity may decrease, causing earlier fullness. Hormonal changes affect hunger signals. These changes are normal but require attention.
Senses of taste and smell diminish with age, making food less appealing. Foods that once tasted delicious may seem bland. Without sensory pleasure, eating becomes less motivated.
Medications affect appetite. Many common medications cause nausea, altered taste, or reduced hunger. Review medications with your doctor if appetite has decreased significantly.
Concerning Appetite Loss
While some appetite decrease is normal, significant weight loss signals problems. Losing more than five percent of body weight in a month or ten percent in six months without trying warrants medical evaluation.
Depression commonly causes appetite loss. Loss of interest in eating, along with other depression symptoms, suggests emotional causes needing treatment.
Medical conditions including cancer, thyroid problems, heart failure, and infections can suppress appetite. New or worsening appetite loss deserves investigation for underlying causes.
Dental problems make eating painful or difficult. If chewing hurts or dentures fit poorly, appetite naturally decreases. Address dental issues to restore eating comfort.
Maintaining Nutrition
Eat smaller, more frequent meals. If large meals are overwhelming, five to six small meals may provide better nutrition than three large ones you cannot finish.
Make calories count. When appetite is limited, choose nutrient-dense foods rather than empty calories. Every bite should provide nutrition. Protein is particularly important to preserve muscle.
Enhance flavor to compensate for diminished taste. Herbs, spices, and seasonings add interest without excess sodium. Experiment with flavors that appeal to you.
Make eating enjoyable. Attractive presentation, pleasant company, and comfortable settings encourage eating. Social meals often result in better intake than eating alone.
Nutritional supplements can fill gaps when food intake is inadequate. Drinks like Ensure or Boost provide concentrated nutrition. Use supplements in addition to, not instead of, food.
When Cooking Is Difficult
Fatigue or disability may make cooking too demanding. Prepared foods, meal delivery services, and congregate meal programs provide nutrition without cooking burden.
Simple meals that require minimal preparation may be more manageable. Sandwiches, yogurt with fruit, cheese and crackers, and other easy options still provide nutrition.
Getting Nutrition Support
All Seniors Foundation provides nutrition assessment and support for seniors with appetite concerns. Adequate nutrition maintains strength and health. Contact us if appetite changes are affecting your nutritional status.
