The elderly population is the fastest-growing age group in the United States. As people live longer, they are also at a higher risk for developing chronic conditions that can lead to a loss of appetite. While a decrease in appetite is a common symptom of aging, it can also be a sign of an underlying health problem.
According to a study done by the National Institute on Aging, about 25 percent of people over the age of 65 don’t have a good appetite.
Common causes of decreased appetite in the elderly
As we age, our appetites may change. We may not feel as hungry as we once did, or we may find that certain foods don’t appeal to us as much as they used to. Many possible causes of this include physical changes, medications, and psychological factors.
One reason is that our metabolism slows down as we age. This means that we don’t need to eat as much food to meet our energy needs. Additionally, our bodies may be less efficient at absorbing nutrients from food, so we may not get as much out of what we eat.
Another reason our appetite may decrease with age is that we tend to become less active as we age. We may not burn off as many calories through physical activity, so we don’t need to eat as much to maintain our weight.
One common cause of decreased appetite in the elderly is a decrease in the sense of smell. This can make food less appealing and make it harder to taste flavors.
Another common cause is dental problems, which can make it difficult to chew and enjoy food.
Certain medications can also lead to decreased appetite. For example, some antidepressants can cause nausea and loss of appetite. Pain medications can also have this effect. Psychological factors such as depression or anxiety can also lead to reduced appetite.
Fortunately, some things can be done to increase appetite in the elderly. Stimulating the senses by cooking with strong flavors or using colorful plates can help increase appeal.
Ways to stimulate appetite in the elderly
There are a variety of ways to stimulate the appetite of the elderly. One way is to provide small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. This allows for more opportunities to eat and can help increase hunger.
Another way to stimulate appetite is to make sure the food smells and tastes good. Strong odors can help increase appetite, so cooking with flavorful herbs and spices can be helpful. Additionally, serving food that is visually appealing can also encourage eating.
Finally, it’s important to create a relaxed and comfortable environment at mealtime. Eating with others can be enjoyable and stimulating, so providing opportunities for socialization during mealtimes can be beneficial. Creating a pleasant atmosphere can help increase appetite and make mealtime more enjoyable.
Medication for stimulating appetite in the elderly
A new study finds that a medication commonly used to stimulate appetite in the elderly may also help improve their cognitive function. The study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, found that megestrol acetate (MA) improved both appetite and cognitive function in a group of older adults with anorexia nervosa.
MA is a synthetic progestin that the FDA has approved for the treatment of anorexia nervosa in adults. It is known to increase appetite and weight gain. The new study included 30 older adults with anorexia nervosa who were randomly assigned to receive either MA or a placebo for 16 weeks. The participants were assessed for appetite, weight, and cognitive function changes before and after treatment.
At the end of treatment, those who received MA showed greater improvements in their body weight and cognitive function than those who received a placebo. The results suggest that MA is effective in improving appetite and cognitive function in older adults with anorexia nervosa.
Another option is dronabinol, which is a synthetic form of THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana. It’s been shown to increase appetite and weight gain in some people with cancer and AIDS.
But there’s no evidence that either megestrol acetate or dronabinol is effective in increasing appetite and weight in people over the age of 65. So, at this time, there are no FDA-approved medications for increasing appetite and weight gain in older adults.
There are some other things you can do to help:
- Make sure your loved one is regularly eating, including snacks between meals.
- Serve nutritious, calorie-dense foods in small portions.
- Use hearty sauces and gravies to add flavor.
- Serve favorite foods, including foods that are high in calories and protein, such as peanut butter, ice cream, nuts, and meat.
- Encourage your loved one to eat slowly by taking smaller bites and chewing well.
- Make sure your loved one is getting the right amount of calories. If a person loses too much weight, it can lead to health problems.
- So if they are losing weight, you may need to add calories to their diet by increasing serving sizes or adding additional snacks between meals.
- Use a food diary to help your loved one monitor what he or she is eating and how much. This can provide insight into how hunger, nutrition, and appetite work together. It may also be helpful in identifying triggers that prevent healthy eating.
Food ideas for the elderly with no appetite
Here are some ideas for foods that can help them get the nutrition they need:
1. Soups and stews are a great option for elderly people with no appetite. They are easy to eat and can be packed with nutrients.
2. Pureed fruits and vegetables can also be a good option. These can be made into smoothies or soups, which makes them easier to consume.
3. Nutrient-rich shakes are another option that elderly people with no appetite might want to try. These can be made with milk, yogurt, or nut butter, and they provide essential vitamins and minerals.
And finally, don’t forget about snacks!
When to seek help for decreased appetite in the elderly
When someone experiences a decrease in appetite, it can be difficult to determine whether the cause is benign and temporary or if it’s indicative of a more serious underlying health condition. For seniors, decreased appetite can be especially worrisome, as it can lead to malnutrition and increased frailty.
If you’re a caregiver for an elderly loved one who has recently lost their appetite, watch for other signs and symptoms that may accompany the decreased appetite. If your loved one is also experiencing weight loss, fatigue, or changes in mood or behavior, it’s important to seek medical help.
Decreased appetite can be caused by a variety of factors, including medications, depression, dental problems, and digestive issues. A doctor will be able to determine the cause of the decreased appetite and recommend treatment options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a few things that can be done in order to increase appetite in the elderly. First, make sure that they are regularly eating and on a schedule. Second, try to make meals more appealing by adding spices or sauces. Third, provide smaller portion sizes so that the elderly person does not feel overwhelmed. Lastly, give them time to eat and relax after a meal. By following these tips, you can help increase appetite in the elderly.