Decreased appetite is common among elderly individuals. Often it can be difficult to convince elderly loved ones to eat enough food throughout the day to sustain them and provide their bodies with good nutrition. With weaker taste buds and sedentary routines, elder adults may not experience the same hunger response in their bodies to prompt them to eat. Loss of appetite can lead to weight loss and poor nutrition among ageing adults. It is essential for your elderly loved ones to eat nutritious meals, get enough calories, and maintain a healthy and stable weight

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, Dr. Mathew Cheung and Dr. Peter Lin discuss why elderly individuals may experience decreased appetite. They also share some common appetite-increasing foods which can improve their appetite. In this article, you will learn ways in which you can encourage regular, healthy eating habits in elderly people struggling with their appetite.

Loss of appetite refers to the absence of hunger or a general disinterest in eating. When left untreated, a decreased appetite can lead to weight loss and fatigue. Typically, loss of appetite has physical and/or psychological causes such as:

• Hormonal changes in the body
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Viral or bacterial infections (e.g. stomach flu, cold, food poisoning, etc.)
• New medications
• Depression

Loss of appetite may also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Changes in eating habits are common among patients with thyroid disorders, hepatitis, dementia, or cancer. In general, if an elderly loved one suddenly has a reduced appetite, we highly recommend consulting a doctor for a professional diagnosis.

Senior adults tend to eat less due to the natural decrease of taste buds and a reduced sense of smell. These changes make meals significantly less enjoyable, gradually leading to a disinterest in food.

Adults over the age of 60 also tend to have more sedentary lifestyles. This decline in physical activity means that their bodies do not use up as much energy, which in turn affects the amount of food they need daily.

In some cases, poor eating habits are the result of other medical conditions that older individuals are more prone to. For instance, elderly individuals may eat less due to poorly-fitted denture or pain while chewing or swallowing. Read our post on common oral and swallowing issues among elderlies to find out how this under-discussed issue can take eating pleasure away from your senior loved ones.

To help elderly loved ones restore healthier eating habits, you can offer healthier versions of their favorite meals or new, exciting dishes. Here’s a list of tasty, nutrient-rich foods that can be incorporated into their diet to increase appetite.

1. Avocado Toast with Egg – Avocados are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. They also improve cardiovascular health. Pairing this fresh fruit with toast and egg results in a well-balanced meal full of essential macronutrients, especially protein and carbohydrates.
2. Banana Pancakes – In comparison with  other fruits, bananas are higher in calories, which is ideal for seniors with a decreased appetite. These pancakes can be topped with almond butter or berries for additional, flavorful calories that pack a tasty punch.
3. Salmon Burrito – Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids which improve cardiovascular health. Combining protein-rich foods with high-calorie foods like rice and flour tortillas creates a balance between good nutrition and adequate calories.
4. Smoothies – Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients and vitamins that senior adults need to maintain good health. Smoothies are easy to consume for elderly individuals, and they can easily help them reach their daily maintenance calories with little effort.
5. Stovetop or Air-Popped Popcorn – As senior adults work on improving their appetite, you must avoid overwhelming them with big meals. Healthy snacks like stovetop or air-popped popcorn may encourage them to eat more frequently throughout the day and get the calories they need.
6. Turkey Omelet with Rice – Turkey is an excellent source of protein and contains very little saturated fat, making it more nutritious than most red meats. When mixed with high-calorie food like rice, elderly loved ones with poor appetites can get important nutrients and maintain a healthy weight.
7. Red Pepper and Tomato Soup with Croutons – High-calorie soups are great for ageing adults. Liquid calories are typically easier to consume and less likely to keep them full for long periods. The herbs and spices in this dish also enhance flavor, which may encourage them to eat more.
8. Yoghurt Parfait – For a healthy dessert for elderly loved ones, consider yoghurt parfaits. Ingredients like fruits, granola, and chia seeds are mixed with a fresh cup of frozen yoghurt. Besides being an easy snack for elderly adults to eat, yoghurt provides a rich source of calcium and protein which can improve their muscle and bone health.

We’ve listed eight ways in which you can encourage regular, healthy eating habits in elderly people struggling with their appetite.

1.  Creating a routine with regular eating schedule and meal plan

It is highly recommended for individuals with poor appetites to eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day. A regular eating schedule can help senior adults hit their meal targets and promote better digestion. Additionally, establishing a meal plan with a variety of dishes helps elderly loved ones look forward to eating – potentially stimulating their appetite.

Creating a routine for meals, snacks and drinks can help to develop familiarity and certainty for those who need sustenance but might be confused or suspicious about whether they should be eating when they don’t feel hungry. Having certain times of the day at which food and drink is consumed helps to create an expectation that eating and drinking is the established activity for that time of the day.

Routine doesn’t only have to revolve around time; it can also focus on what type of food you eat. For example, if you consistently start the day with a bowl of porridge, then your loved one may soon accept their porridge as part of their normal day.

2.  Encourage Physical Activity

Exercise is linked to a temporary increase in the body’s metabolic rate. Since both metabolism and appetite increase after a workout, physical activity may help elderly loved ones eat more.

While exercise is generally recommended for its health benefits, not all types of exercise are beneficial to older persons. Existing medical conditions may limit the types of exercises an ageing individual can safely engage in, so it is important to consult a physician beforehand. Here are a few simple recommended exercises for elderly to stay active.

3. Eat with others

Turning meal times into a social event can set an example to your loved one about the importance of eating, as well as creating an enjoyable event for them to look forward to. Meals can often be a battle for people lacking appetite, so the prospect of spending time with others is something that can make meal times a more enticing prospect. Find out what meals and foods your loved one particularly enjoys, and how they like it to be prepared, as this will always increase the likelihood of them finding their appetite.

4. Fight dry mouth

Dry mouth has been known to hinder an elderly person’s ability and desire to eat and drink. If this appears to be the case for your loved one, the first step to take is to consult your doctor or dentist, as often medication is the primary cause of dry mouth. Ask your doctor or dentist to recommend you products that moisturize your mouth, including prescription or over-the-counter mouthwashes. Steps that can be taken include increasing water consumption, limiting caffeine intake, stopping tobacco use and brushing your teeth at least twice a day.

5. Use drinkable meals

When swallowing or using cutlery becomes difficult, drinkable meals are a straightforward way to continue to provide your loved one with all the sustenance and nutrition that they need without changing their diet. Drinkable meals generally take the form of smoothies and shakes, and you can really get creative with food combinations. Whatever ingredients you choose, ensure food is blended properly and contains no large lumps to avoid potential choking hazards.

6. Fortify food

When your loved one eats, you want them to be ingesting as much nutrition as possible. Fortifying foods can help to increase intake of vital nutrients such as vitamins, iron and calcium. Some foods, including most breakfast cereals, are already fortified by the manufacturer. There are several ways in which you can fortify snacks and meals for people with no appetite or suffering from malnutrition. You can also add protein to their diet, as protein can be added from wide range of foods, including meat, fish, eggs, and beans.

7. Use finger foods

Finger foods can be a great alternative to a full meal for your elderly loved one if you can find options with enough nutritional value to be a viable source of sustenance. Vegetable samosas, cocktail sausages, cheese cubes, crackers, peanut butter on toast and vegetable sticks can all be helpful in encouraging a greater calorie intake through small, digestible portions. Finger food also removes the need for cutlery and cooking.

8. Encourage snacking

You might be accustomed to hiding snacks from hungry teenagers at home, but it’s a great idea to encourage your elderly loved ones to graze throughout the day. Snacks can be a fantastic way to ensure your loved one is eating enough calories and consuming enough nutrients every day. Nuts, raisins, carrot sticks, orange slices, dark chocolate and yoghurt can all make for tasty snacks that provide vital nutrition and sustenance.

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, we strive to provide the best service, care, and results possible. If you have circulation problem related to your arteries or veins and would like to seek consultation with a vascular surgeon, give us a call at 626-275-9566 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us at www.vcsla.com for more information.