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Why do old people lose their appetite?

Loss of appetite in the elderly, also known as anorexia of aging, is a common problem that affects up to 30% of older adults. As people age, various physiological changes often lead to a decreased appetite. Understanding the causes and implementing strategies to improve appetite can help ensure proper nutrition in seniors.

What causes loss of appetite in the elderly?

There are several potential causes for appetite loss in the elderly:

  • Age-related changes – As people get older, the hunger hormones ghrelin and leptin become less effective at signaling hunger and fullness. The sense of taste and smell also diminishes, making food less appetizing.
  • Medications – Many common medications like diuretics, antibiotics, and analgesics can cause nausea or other side effects that suppress appetite.
  • Dental/chewing problems – Missing, decayed, or ill-fitting dentures make chewing difficult and unenjoyable.
  • Dementia – Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affect the parts of the brain controlling hunger cues.
  • Depression – Feelings of sadness, loneliness, and grief are common in seniors and often lead to disinterest in food.
  • Chronic diseases – Conditions like COPD, cancer, diabetes, and heart failure are associated with increased metabolism, nausea, pain, fatigue, and other symptoms that can suppress appetite.

How does appetite loss affect the elderly?

Loss of appetite and reduced food intake in seniors carries significant risks including:

  • Malnutrition – Not getting enough calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals can lead to unhealthy weight loss, muscle wasting, and nutritional deficiencies.
  • Weakened immunity – Malnutrition impairs immune function, increasing susceptibility to infections.
  • Loss of strength and mobility – Muscle wasting from inadequate protein causes weakness, unsteadiness, and increased fall risk.
  • Poor wound healing – Nutrients are required for tissue growth and repair processes.
  • Increased hospitalization – Malnourished seniors experience more doctor visits, hospitalizations, and nursing home placements.
  • Reduced quality of life – Appetite and enjoyment of food are important parts of social interactions and overall well-being.

Tips to improve appetite and nutrition in the elderly

There are many strategies caregivers can implement to help older adults improve their appetite and nutritional intake:

  • Offer smaller, more frequent meals – Large meals can be overwhelming. 5-6 small meals spread throughout the day are easier to manage.
  • Make use of nutrient-dense foods – Focus on foods high in calories, protein, vitamins and minerals like eggs, dairy products, nuts, beans, and green leafy vegetables.
  • Supplement with nutritional drinks – Sipping on supplements between meals provides extra calories and nutrients.
  • Exercise lightly before meals – A brief walk helps stimulate hunger.
  • Eat with others – The social stimulation of dining with family or friends often improves appetite.
  • Vary foods and flavors – Alternate between salty, sweet, tart, and bitter tasting foods to prevent taste fatigue.
  • Consider appetite stimulants – Medications like megestrol acetate help trigger hunger signals.
  • Address dental issues – Fixing ill-fitting dentures or other dental problems can make eating less painful.
  • Treat underlying illnesses – Managing conditions like diabetes, cancer, and depression may improve appetite.
  • Adjust medications – Speak with a doctor about adjusting medications that may be causing nausea or loss of taste.

When to see a doctor

Consult a physician if appetite loss persists and leads to significant weight loss, weakness, or inability to perform daily activities. A doctor can help identify and treat any underlying illness while also providing referrals to dietitians and other specialists for nutritional support. Blood tests checking for anemia and nutritional deficiencies may be ordered. In some cases, tube feeding or intravenous supplementation becomes necessary to prevent malnutrition.

The takeaway

Diminished appetite and interest in food is a common challenge as people get older. Various age-related physiological changes often combine with illnesses, disabilities, and medications to suppress appetite. Without adequate intake, seniors are at risk for malnourishment and related consequences like weakness, frequent infections, and reduced quality of life. Family caregivers can help improve nutrition through small meal approaches, nutrient-dense foods, supplements, social eating, and addressing dental issues or medication side effects. Speaking with a doctor is important if significant weight loss results. Implementing these strategies helps ensure seniors continue enjoying food and thriving in their later years.

Common causes of appetite loss in the elderly
Cause Explanation
Age-related changes Diminished effectiveness of hunger signals ghrelin and leptin. Decreased sense of taste and smell.
Medications Side effects like nausea from diuretics, antibiotics, analgesics.
Dental/chewing problems Missing, decayed, or ill-fitting dentures make eating difficult.
Dementia Alzheimer’s and other dementias disrupt hunger cues.
Depression Sadness, grief, and loneliness decrease interest in food.
Chronic diseases Increased metabolism and symptoms like pain and nausea from COPD, cancer, diabetes, heart failure.
Strategies to improve appetite and nutrition in seniors
Strategy Description
Small, frequent meals 5-6 small meals throughout the day instead of large meals.
Nutrient-dense foods Foods high in protein, vitamins, minerals like eggs, dairy, beans, greens.
Nutritional supplements Liquid supplements provide extra calories between meals.
Light exercise Brief walk before meals helps stimulate appetite.
Eat with others Social stimulation of dining improves appetite.
Vary food flavors Alternate salty, sweet, tart, bitter foods to prevent taste fatigue.
Appetite stimulants Medications like megestrol help increase hunger signals.
Address dental issues Fixing ill-fitting dentures makes eating less painful.
Treat illnesses Managing underlying conditions like depression may improve appetite.
Adjust medications Consult doctor about medications causing side effects like nausea.

Health consequences of appetite loss and malnutrition in the elderly

Consequences of appetite loss in seniors
Consequence Explanation
Malnutrition Inadequate calories, protein, vitamins, minerals lead to unhealthy weight loss and deficiencies.
Weak immunity Impaired immune function increases infections.
Loss of strength Muscle wasting from insufficient protein causes weakness and instability.
Poor wound healing Nutrients needed for tissue growth and repair.
Increased hospitalization Malnutrition causes more doctor visits, hospitalizations, and nursing home use.
Reduced quality of life Appetite and enjoyment of food impact overall well-being.

When to see a doctor for elderly appetite loss

Consult a physician promptly if an elderly person experiences:

  • Significant unintentional weight loss of 10 lbs or more over 6-12 months
  • Progressive decrease in appetite persisting more than 2 weeks
  • Inability to complete usual daily activities due to weakness or fatigue
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or rapid heartbeat
  • New confusion or increased memory problems
  • Difficulty swallowing foods or liquids
  • Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 2 days
  • Open sores or non-healing wounds
  • Frequent falls or fractures

A doctor can identify and treat any medical issues contributing to appetite changes. Blood work, imaging, and referrals to dietitians or physical therapy may be recommended. If malnutrition is severe, tube feeding or intravenous nutrition may be prescribed. Addressing causes early improves the chances of restoring proper nutrition and preventing long-term consequences.

Conclusion

Appetite loss is common in seniors due to age-related changes, illnesses, disabilities, and medication side effects. Inadequate food intake can lead to protein and nutrient deficiencies known as malnutrition. Strategies like small frequent meals, nutrient-dense foods, supplements, and social eating help elders get better nutrition. Treating underlying medical issues and adjusting problematic medications may also improve appetite. Consultation with a doctor is advised if significant unintentional weight loss results so causes can be addressed before malnutrition complications arise. With proper implementation of these approaches, elderly individuals can continue enjoying food and maintaining well-being despite waning appetite.