- It's common for appetite to decrease as we age. Common causes are a decrease in metabolic rate, changes in the digestive system, a diminished sense of taste and smell, dental problems, and difficulty swallowing.
- When trying to help someone with low appetite eat more, it's important to focus on four main things: the texture of the food, the presentation of the food, the variety of the food, and the community around them.
- Try cutting food into smaller pieces. For example, a peanut butter sandwich can be cut into nine small pieces instead of halves, making it easier to chew and swallow.
- It's also important to make the plating appealing to make mealtime feel special.
- Nothing makes more of an impact than eating with family and friends: studies show that people eat more when they're with company.
As we age, our appetites and eating habits often change, making mealtime a challenge. But it's as essential as ever to get ample nutrition. In this guide, we provide simple tips to enhance mealtime and make it easier to get the nutrition one needs.
Causes of Appetite Decrease in Seniors
If you're discovering that you or a loved one are struggling with a decrease in appetite as you get older, you're not alone.
There are many causes behind why appetite may decrease with age. Here are some of the main reasons:
- Decreased Metabolic Rate: As we age, our metabolic rate gets lower, which means that fewer calories are needed. This leads to a decrease in appetite.
- Changes in Digestive System: Aging can impact the digestive system, causing slower digestion and prolonged sensations of fullness.
- Altered Sense of Taste and Smell: The senses of taste and smell often diminish with age, which can make eating less pleasurable.
- Medication Side Effects: Many medications common in the conditions that older adults have include appetite suppression as a side effect.
- Social and Psychological Factors: Social factors like loneliness, depression, and changes in social life can negatively impact eating habits and appetite.
- Dental Problems: Dental issues with teeth and gums like pain or difficulty chewing can make eating uncomfortable and reduce the desire to eat.
- Swallowing Difficulties: As people age, they may develop dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, which can make eating certain foods challenging and uncomfortable.
Making Mealtime Easier for Seniors
When trying to help someone with low appetite eat more, it's important to focus on four main things: the texture of the food, the presentation of the food, the variety of the food, and the community around them.
Cutting Food Into Smaller Bites
Many older adults have difficulty swallowing. Looking at a large piece of food can feel overwhelming.
To address this, cut foods into smaller, manageable pieces. For example, a peanut butter sandwich can be cut into nine small pieces instead of halves, making it easier to chew and swallow.
Almost any piece of food can be cut creatively into something smaller. And if you're noticing that your loved one eats more when the texture of the food is easier to digest (like soups and purees), try to include one purified option every meal.
It makes a big difference to invest in a good blender. Many find the BlendJet easy to use.
>> Recipe Idea: High Protein Strawberry Smoothie
Making Presentation Pop
Beautiful presentation can make all the difference. Invest time in arranging the food - this can transform a simple meal into a delightful dining experience.
Here are a few ideas:
- Plate Size & Shape: Choose a plate size that fits everything in the meal and prevents any food from spilling over. The shape of your plate should complement the textures of your dish. While circular plates are traditional, experimenting with different shapes can add a dynamic visual element.
- Experiment With Color: Go for plates that contrast with the color of the food. For example, if you're serving salmon with spinach, go for a white plate to help the food stand out.
- Clockwise Plating: Visualize a plate as a clock. Place the main component at 6 o'clock, starches between 9 and 12 o'clock, and vegetables between 12 and 3 o'clock.
- The Final Touch: A sprig of parsley or a sprinkle of herbs like basil or rosemary can elevate the dish, adding both flavor and a restaurant-quality look.
Finding the Right Variety
People of all ages tend to get into slumps where they eat the same thing over and over again. Try to keep food varied to keep from getting bored.
Many older adults are watching their sodium intake and find that food doesn't have as much flavor without salt. Try to add other seasonings like lemon, pepper, and Mrs. Dash to up the flavor.
Another tip is to have three different items on your plate during mealtime. Our brains are wired to appreciate the number three, making a trio of food choices more appealing.
It can also be helpful to add some beautiful, bright color vegetables to your plate. If they're foods you enjoy, experiment with things like peas, carrots, beets, and squash that have vivid colors.
>> Spice ideas: Flavor Boosters for Dulled Taste Buds from Trader Joe's
- Shared Meals for Better Health: Eating with a loved one or friend can do wonders for mental and physical health. It’s observed that people tend to eat more and enjoy their meals better in company.
Eating With Company
Eating with a loved one or friend can do wonders for mental and physical health.
Through the years, scientists have done a myriad of studies that have shown that people consume more when in the presence of family and friends.
If you're taking care of an older adult who is struggling with their appetite, make it a point to sit down together and eat with them. And if you're someone struggling with your appetite who is living alone, see if there is a nearby senior center or other facility that has a meal club that you can join.
Watch: 4 Tips for a Loved One Struggling with Low Appetite
Mealtime is as important as ever as we age. If you or a loved one are struggling with a decreased appetite, try these tips to make eating easier and more appealing. And as much as possible, try to eat meals with friends and family: this connection makes all the difference.
