Appetite decline is a fairly common issue among elderly adults, especially those who have chronic health conditions or who live at home alone. It’s important to remember, however, that loss of appetite is not a normal aspect of getting older.
There are often underlying mental or physical health issues that lead to decreased appetite in seniors, and these issues need to be addressed. Without proper intervention, chronic appetite loss can lead to nutritional deficiency, excessive weight loss and increased frailty among older adults.
Today, we’re exploring some of the common reasons seniors experience appetite loss, and how their loved ones can help them overcome it.
Researchers have uncovered a number of physiological changes that are associated with decreased appetite in the elderly.
For instance, one study reported that half of seniors aged 65 to 80 have significant impairment in their sense of smell1. Another study reported that 74% of participants--all of whom were between the ages of 57 and 80--experienced a decrease in their sense of taste2.
In addition to decreased sense of taste, many seniors have less sensitivity to salty, sweet, sour, bitter and umami flavors than younger people3. These issues contribute to loss of appetite, and also make seniors more
susceptible to food-borne illness.
Aging can also bring drastic changes in digestive function, hormone production and intestinal health. Seniors are more susceptible to constipation, and conditions like diverticular disease and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) are common in people over age 65. These conditions can make eating and digesting food painful, and can contribute to decreased desire to eat.
Dental health issues also contribute to loss of appetite in elderly people.
Some researchers estimate that around 30% of people over age 65 have conditions that cause decreased saliva production4. Medication usage, prior cancer treatment and diseases like Sjögren's syndrome can cause chronic dry mouth. Dry mouth is a key contributor to dental problems like tooth decay, bad breath, and issues with chewing and swallowing food.
Additionally, a large percentage of seniors are missing some or all of their teeth.
According to the CDC,
1 in 5 American adults over age 65 have lost all of their natural teeth. The majority of seniors with total tooth loss wear dentures, which can make chewing difficult and painful. Seniors with missing teeth and those who wear dentures may prefer softer foods that are easier to chew, but have less nutritional value.
Tooth decay, tooth abscesses and gum issues also cause painful chewing and may contribute to lack of appetite in seniors.
Several chronic conditions that are common in the elderly are associated with loss of appetite:
- Congestive heart failure
- COPD
- Liver failure
- Renal failure
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia
- Parkinson’s Disease
Additionally, one of the most common medication side effects is loss of appetite. Certain medications, including statins, diuretics, antiarrhythmics, and heart failure medications, can cause impaired appetite.
Mental health issues, like depression and anxiety, can also negatively impact appetite. Seniors who live alone and have limited social interaction are at higher risk of experiencing depression and mental health problems than seniors who have regular social interaction.
It can be concerning to witness loss of appetite, nutritional deficiency and excessive weight loss in a senior loved one. Fortunately, there are easy ways to address low appetite and encourage healthy eating habits.
The most important way to help increase appetite in a senior loved one is to
make sure they don’t have any undiagnosed health issues. Schedule a doctor’s appointment to address your loved one’s concerns and issues with appetite and eating. Medication to address an underlying health condition may lead to a spike in appetite and a returned interest in eating.
It can also be helpful to
establish a regular routine for meals and snacks. Scheduling meals and snacks for the same time each day can encourage consistent eating in seniors who have decreased appetite.
Another way to help is to introduce small portions of high-nutrient foods like fruits and vegetables. Small portions are less intimidating for many seniors, and may be easier to consume for those with dental issues. It can also help to switch to four or five smaller meals each day instead of three.
Making meal time a social experience can also encourage seniors to eat more consistently. Eating meals together, whether in person, over the phone or over video chat, can create positive associations with meal time and encourage improved appetite in socially isolated seniors.
If you’re concerned about your senior loved one’s loss of appetite, an in-home caregiver can help with grocery shopping, meal preparation and nutrition monitoring.
First Choice Senior Care is a leading provider of home caregiving services in Little Rock, AR and surrounding areas.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Sources:
Co-Owner, First Choice Senior Care
Kayla Stephens is the co-owner of First Choice Senior Care. She grew up in Northeast Arkansas, and has worked in rehabilitation, hospice care, managed nursing homes and a large home care agency. She has received several awards for sales and quality achievements in hospice and long-term care.
Kayla believes in advocating for and educating seniors and their families on a variety of topics and issues that impact them. Reflecting on the need for an independent home care provider interested in quality over quantity, she chased her dream of building her own company that would make a significant difference in the lives of seniors, providing a much-needed service in her own local community.
Kayla holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University, is licensed by the state of Arkansas as a Long-Term Care Administrator, and is a Certified Senior Adviser.
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