How to Encourage Eating and Increase Appetite in the Elderly

Research finds that one in four seniors suffers from appetite loss.^[01] Aging can bring a number of changes that reduce a person’s appetite and negatively affect their health.

Medical or physical factors

Medical or physical factors that can reduce someone’s appetite include:

• Health problems. Both acute and chronic conditions can reduce appetite, and treating or managing these problems can leave a person with less energy. Common health problems that can reduce appetite include:
  • Gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, constipation, and heartburn
  • Dental problems, such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, gingivitis, tooth loss, and poor-fitting dentures ^[02]
  • Insomnia or other sleep problems
  • Dementia
  • Depression
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Infections, especially of the mouth or throat
  • Head and neck cancers
• Medications. Certain medicines can make food taste bitter or metallic, and some can cause salivary glands to produce less saliva. A dry mouth can make it more difficult to swallow, which increases the risk of choking. Medicines known to cause problems with appetite in elderly people include:^[03]
  • Antibiotics, including ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole, metronidazole, and others
  • Neurologic medications, such as those used to treat Parkinson’s or migraines and many muscle relaxants
  • Heart medicines, including some blood pressure medicines, diuretics, statins for cholesterol, and medicines for heart arrhythmias
  • Endocrines that are often used in thyroid medicines
  • Psychiatric medicines, including some antidepressants and mood stabilizers
  • Other medicines, including chemotherapy drugs, prescriptions for smoking cessation, and bronchodilators
• Diminished sense of smell and taste. The nerves that are responsible for smell and taste may become less sensitive with age.
• Low activity levels. The more a person moves, the more fuel their body needs. Someone who is sedentary is likely to be less hungry.
• Hormonal changes. Ghrelin is a hormone that causes us to feel hungry and our bodies make less of it as we age.^[04]

Social factors

Loneliness and isolation can lead to decreased appetite, especially if a person recently lost a loved one or moved to a new environment.^[05]

Environmental factors

A person’s environment, which includes their own abilities and behaviors, plays an important role in how well they’re able to care for themselves. Some important environmental factors in low appetite include:

• Routine. A lack of daily routine, or changes in routine, can cause discomfort or confusion around mealtimes.
• Changes in functional ability. An inability to prepare meals can seriously affect seniors who live independently, especially those who face challenges using kitchen utensils and appliances or navigating the kitchen safely. This often leads to reliance on others for meal preparation or an increased risk of malnutrition.

Let our care assessment guide you

There are several things you can do to increase your loved one’s appetite. It’s a good idea to start with natural approaches and get expert guidance from a nutritionist or your loved one’s doctor or other health care provider.

Natural or nondrug ways to stimulate appetite

You can do a few practical things to stimulate your loved one’s appetite and help them get adequate nutrition.

• Address medical and physical issues. While it may not be possible to fix all of the problems that are making your loved one not want to eat, make sure their health care providers are aware of them. Often, doctors and other providers who specialize in geriatrics can help tailor treatments that support good nutrition.
• Encourage exercise. Getting regular exercise increases the amount of energy a person needs, which boosts hunger levels.
• Cleanse the palate. We asked dietitian and nutrition specialist Heather Garza to share advice for caregivers worried about elderly adults not eating. “Chewing sugarless gum, brushing [teeth] often, or using an oral rinse before meals can improve taste sensation and, ultimately, nutrient intake,” Garza says.
• Check and fix denture fit. If your loved one wears dentures, ensure they still visit the dentist at least twice a year for checkups. Their mouth can change over time, requiring adjustments to their dentures to ensure a proper and comfortable fit.
• Plan and schedule meals. “Our bodies tend to thrive off regularity, as do our hunger and thirst signals, so when we stray from our usual patterns, so does our appetite,” Garza says. Proper planning can help ensure your loved one gets enough calories each day.^[06] Try these practical tips:
  • Encourage your loved one to eat six to eight little meals throughout the day instead of three big meals.
  • Figure out the time of day when their appetite is strongest, and schedule a meal at that time.
  • Even if they’re not hungry, try to encourage meals and snacks at consistent times every day.
  • Set a reminder or alarm for mealtimes if forgetting to eat is an issue.
  • Place healthy, convenient snacks around the house to promote regular snacking.

Visit an occupational therapist or dietitian

If a senior struggles with appetite or maintaining proper nutrition, consider seeking expert help. For example, an occupational therapist can recommend adaptive utensils for easier eating, while a registered dietitian can personalize meal plans to meet your loved one’s specific nutritional needs and taste preferences.

Choose foods wisely

In many cases, the quality of the food a person takes in is more important than the quantity. Here are some food selection tips to encourage a senior’s appetite and boost their calorie intake:

• Avoid loading up on high-fiber, low-calorie foods like raw fruits and vegetables at meals. Consult a doctor about the advantages of a low-fiber diet.
• Add sweet fruit or full-fat ice cream to increase the flavor and nutritional value of milkshakes and desserts.
• Encourage drinking smoothies, protein shakes, or high-calorie nutritional supplements.
• Serve proteins one hour or more after removing them from the refrigerator; some enjoy the taste of these foods at room temperature.
• If your loved one says their food tastes off or metallic, try switching to other protein sources like dairy or beans.
• If water doesn’t taste right to them, add herbs like mint or basil. Or try adding sliced fruits or vegetables, such as lemon and cucumber. Water infusions can help prevent dehydration.

Increase nutrient density, not portion size

It may be tempting to offer large plates of food, but huge helpings can be intimidating. Instead, focus on providing calorie-rich options.

“I ask caregivers not to increase the volume of food they serve to seniors with low appetites,” Garza explains. “Rather, increase the nutrient density of the foods they serve.”

Think of it this way: A small bag of potato chips and a bowl of mixed nuts provide around the same amount of food, but the mixed nuts are far healthier and more substantial. They provide protein, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients, whereas the chips mainly offer empty calories with little nutritional value.

Avocados, olive oil, and peanut butter are examples of nutrient-dense foods packed with healthy fats.

Make mealtimes more enjoyable

When your loved one looks forward to mealtimes, they may be inclined to eat more. Implement one or more of these suggestions to make dining more enjoyable:

• Choose nutritious recipes that are tasty and enjoyable.
• Add extra flavor with herbs, spices, sauces, or marinades.
• Use garnishes and colorful foods to make meals more visually appealing.
• Change the menu regularly to avoid getting bored with a particular food.
• Watch a favorite television show or movie while cooking or eating.
• Play music while preparing food or eating.
• Set the table using favorite place settings.
• Try different-sized plates to see what works best.

Encourage social meals

Make mealtimes a social event; research suggests eating with others increases food intake.^[05] Eating alone may seem unappealing to people of all ages, but seniors may be unable to have meals with others due to mobility problems, lack of transportation, or losing a spouse.

“Senior centers, temples or churches, and community centers may have weekly dinners and other mealtime events for seniors,” said Garza.

Encourage regular meal “dates” with friends, family, or caregivers, as well.

Ask your loved one’s doctor about medication

While certain medicines may help to stimulate the appetite, there aren’t currently any prescription drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose unless the person also has cancer or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). That said, doctors are permitted to prescribe medications off-label, so it’s possible that your loved one’s doctor may recommend one of the following:^[07]

• Dronabinol (also known as Marinol) ^[08]
• Megestrol (also known as Megace) ^[09]
• Mirtazapine (also known as Remeron) ^[10]

Talk with your loved one’s doctor if you’ve tried nondrug tips for improving appetite but they weren’t effective.

Consider an in-home caregiver

If your parent lives alone, consider hiring an in-home caregiver who can help with meal planning and preparation. Home care aides can even handle grocery shopping to further reduce stress. Additionally, visits can be scheduled to overlap with mealtimes so your parent doesn’t have to eat by themselves.

Talk with a Senior Living Advisor

When elderly people stop eating, it can cause weight loss and nutritional deficiencies, potentially leading to serious health problems and increasing the risk of early mortality or impaired immune function.^[11]

Other consequences of nutritional deficiencies and weight loss may include an increased risk of:^[04,11]

• Frailty and falls
• Decreased mobility
• Diminished quality of life
• Pressure sores
• Longer hospital stays
• Joint issues
• Hip fracture

“I remind my clients often that a loss of appetite and thirst is a normal part of aging and doesn’t always mean something is wrong,” Garza notes.

Yet, sometimes, a sudden loss of appetite in elderly adults can be more severe and require treatment. If you notice unexplained weight loss or weight gain, general lethargy, or changes in your loved one’s eating habits that persist for more than one week, the first step is to consult their doctor.

While it’s common for older adults to eat less, seek medical advice if your loved one consistently refuses to eat. A doctor can identify underlying causes and provide guidance on maintaining a healthy diet to ensure they get the nutrients they need.

For seniors who have health conditions, it can be difficult to maintain consistent, healthy eating habits. If you’re worried about a senior loved one’s health at home, consider an assisted living or memory care community, depending on their care needs. Home care services can also be a practical solution, especially if it’s important for your loved one to receive care in the comfort of their own home. Caregivers can assist with meal preparation, encourage regular eating, and help monitor nutrition.

Senior living communities help seniors meet their dietary and preferential needs through different dining options. Assisted living facilities and nursing homes often have on-site dietitians or nutritionists who craft meal plans and menus that help seniors get the nutrients they need. Many communities even offer specialized meal plans for seniors who have dietary restrictions. Get in touch with an expert from A Place for Mom for help choosing the right senior living option for your loved one.