Many older adults say they have reduced or no appetite during meals. It is often thought as a “normal” part of ageing due to the myth that food and nutrient requirements decrease with ageing. Nutrient requirements for vitamins and minerals remain unchanged. In fact, requirements for protein increase.

Many factors can cause a loss of appetite. These include reduced physical activity, medication, illness, loss of sense of taste and smell and difficulty with chewing or swallowing. Other factors include being unable to eat independently, loneliness and depression.

A reduced appetite can result in a decreased intake of food and nutrients. This can cause frailty, unplanned weight loss, nutrient deficiencies, risk of infections and falls, and reduced quality of life.

Here are some ways to improve appetite:

1. Having a routine for mealtime. Don’t wait to eat until you are hungry.
2. Offering finger foods such as chicken nuggets, fish fingers or sandwiches to reduce the need for cutlery.
3. Focussing on smaller portion sizes of nutrient-dense foods and snacks. These could include full fat milk and yoghurt, cheese cubes or peanut butter on crackers.
4. Managing chewing and swallowing issues with healthy soups (made from meats and vegetables) and smoothies (made from milk, yoghurt and fruits).
5. Getting older adults involved with the menu choices and preparation.
6. Supporting eating with others be it family, friends, neighbours, or local community groups.

Have a look at the resource “Eating well with a small appetite” for more.

It is common for people with health issues to follow a special diet that limits sugar and/or fat. These health issues could be diabetes, high blood cholesterol or high blood pressure. Some believe that older people need less vitamins, minerals and protein. Although, requirements remain similar, or may increase when unwell. Older adults need more protein than younger people.

As a person ages their need for special diets should be reviewed by a health professional such as an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). A dietitian can check if these restrictions are still relevant, especially if unplanned weight loss occurs. Older adults could be reducing their food intake and the variety of foods to limit sugar and fat. This could lower intake of important nutrients such as proteins, vitamins and minerals.

Eating less essential nutrients, could also lead to muscle loss, and an increase in infections and falls. This is particularly true with older adults who may already be frail or unwell.

Eating a variety of foods from all food groups is important. This reduces the chance of missing out on any nutrients.

We often hear about eating a healthy and balanced diet. But what do these two words mean?

Different foods contain different nutrients. For example, red meats provide protein and iron, green leafy vegetables provide folate and citrus fruits provide vitamin C. In addition, dairy foods provide protein and calcium, and wholegrains provide B vitamins and dietary fibre. Fats and oils provide energy and essential vitamins A and D. Eating a wide range of foods increases the chance of getting all the nutrients that our body needs to stay healthy.

It is a myth that older people need less nutrients than younger people. In fact, vitamin and mineral requirements may increase when sick. Older adults require more protein and generally should not be on low fat diets.

Have a look at the resource “Key nutrients for older adults” for more.