Poor Appetite in Older Adults:

Up to 30% of older adults have reduced appetite/food intake.

Loss of appetite is common among older adults. Different factors can cause this, so we need to know how to identify and treat it.

Common causes include:

• Depression
• Stress
• Memory problems
• Change in taste/smell
• Medications
• Illness
• Mobility issues
• Dehydration
• Social Factors
• Poor dental health

Tips to help with a poor appetite:

• Serve smaller portions. Large portions can be off putting.
• Add variety: Taste can change in older people. Try a variety of foods.
• Eat little and often: Eat every 2-3 hours and include nutritious snacks and avoid long gaps.
• Add additional calories: For example, adding cream or cheese in soup, mash potatoes and scrambled eggs.
• Add protein: To help prevent loss of muscle.
• Have foods readily available: Ready-made meals could be helpful if cooking meals is challenging.
• Avoid ‘Diet’ foods: E.g. Low calorie, ‘light’, low-fat. Reduced fat/sugar.
• Use finger foods: This might help increase variety and make it seem like a smaller amount of food.
• Add flavour: Add spices to meals to increase flavour and make food more palatable.
• Choose nutrient rich foods: Smoothies, creamy soups and roasted vegetables.

Consider the eating environment:

Increasing movement throughout the day can help increase appetite.

Eating together can also bring the benefit of social interaction.

Providing a calm and bright environment can make mealtimes more enjoyable.

Having set mealtimes can add structure to the day.

Tips for caregivers:

Listen and support, provide encouragement, offer variety in meals and try to eat together!

Click below to access our downloadable PDF:

Poor appetite among the Older Adults