Nutrition for Older Adults: Appetite and Nutrition

Decreased Appetite

Decreased appetite can get in the way of good nutrition. Many factors can decrease appetite including:

• Social changes.
• Emotional changes.
• Physical changes.
• Use of some medicines.

Tips if Appetite Decreases

• Eat meals at regular times.
• Allow ample time for meals.
• Have the main meal at breakfast or lunch when appetite is larger.
• Try smaller more frequent meals.
• Try between meal snacks or nutrition supplements.
• Eat with friends and family.
• Eat at the senior meal site.
• Make meal time pleasant.
  • Include favorite foods.
  • Have special event meals.
  • Use colorful placemats.
  • Play music at mealtime.
  • Eat by a window with a view.
• Use herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of foods.
• Participate in physical activity each day to increase appetite.
• Some medicines can affect appetite. Check with your doctor about the medicines you use.

Sources

Whitney, E.N. & Rolfes, S.R. (2015). Understanding Nutrition, 14th ed., Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, Belmont, CA.

 

Bernstein, M., & Munoz, N. (2016). Nutrition for the Older Adult, 2nd ed., Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Sudbury, MA.

 

Brown, J.E. (2014) Nutrition through the Life Cycle, 5th ed., Cengage Learning, Stamford, CT.