Loss of Appetite in Older Adults: Should You Be Concerned?
24 July 2024
Have you or your elderly loved one been experiencing a lack of hunger or eating much less than before? Is significant weight loss due to a lack of appetite becoming a concern?
According to our Consultant Geriatrician, Dr Edward Chong, these changes might signal a deeper issue that needs attention.
Read on as he shares more about loss of appetite in older adults – a common problem that is sometimes referred to as anorexia of ageing.
What Are the Effects of Appetite Loss in Older Adults?
If left unaddressed, not eating enough can lead to weight loss and difficulty in getting the necessary nutrients the body needs, which can negatively impact health and well-being over time.
Malnutrition caused by loss of appetite can lead to serious health complications in older adults, including:
- Higher risk of falls and broken bones
- Higher susceptibility to infections
- Increased stress levels
- Longer and more frequent hospital stays
- Less independence
- Higher risk of death
What Causes Loss of Appetite in Older Adults?
Age-related body and lifestyle changes, as well as health issues, are often the culprit behind loss of appetite in old age. Here are some potential causes that might affect an older adult’s appetite:
- Depression
Being depressed can often lead to the lack of hunger or motivation to eat, and it is often easily overlooked among older adults. - Dysphagia
This refers to the inability to eat, drink or swallow. It is common among older adults and can lead to increased anxiety about eating and drinking. - Dentition
Oral health issues can affect appetite. Poor oral hygiene can affect the taste of food, whereas loss of teeth can cause one to be unable to chew food, making eating difficult or unpleasant. - Dysgeusia
With dysgeusia, one experiences distorted or loss of sense of taste and smell. This can cause food aversions, making eating less enjoyable and affecting appetite as a result. - Drugs
Medications taken for various health conditions can sometimes have side effects, including loss of appetite. - Dementia
Cognitive impairments may cause issues with memory and executive function, which indirectly affect appetite or the ability to eat well. Common reasons include forgetting to eat, as well as the inability to prepare meals. - Disease
Sometimes, loss of appetite can signal an underlying illness or health condition, such as chronic liver disease, thyroid disease and cancer. - Dysfunction
An older adult may struggle with mobility and strength, which can affect their ability to obtain food, whether through cooking or purchasing. Lack of dexterity can also make feeding themselves difficult, ultimately affecting their appetite. - Diarrhoea
Chronic diarrhoea is a common issue faced by older adults, and this is often accompanied by bloating, appetite loss and nausea.
Tips to Improve Appetite in Older Adults
If you or your elderly loved one is struggling with appetite loss, Dr Edward recommends the following tips to help stimulate appetite and encourage healthier eating habits:
- Consult a doctor
For chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease or diabetes, a doctor can help with managing symptoms and improve quality of life. They can also assess if medications are contributing to poor appetite, or if there are underlying issues that are causing appetite loss. - Increase your fibre and fluid intake
Constipation can lead to nausea and poor appetite. Drinking plenty of water and including more fruits, vegetables and whole grains in one’s diet can help. - Get moving
Staying physically active is a great way to improve appetite. Not only that, doing this has the added benefit of helping to maintain or improve overall bone and muscle health.
- Eat together
Another good way to boost appetite is to make mealtime a social event. Consider eating together with friends and family, or community social groups. - Be mindful of meal timing
An older person’s stomach may not be able to accommodate as much food and water as before. Spacing out your meals or having small but more frequent meals, may help improve appetite. - Add moisteners
If difficulty with swallowing is an issue, adding sauces or gravies, or even consuming fluids can help ease swallowing. However, if swallowing remains a struggle, it may be worth considering a visit to our speech therapist, who can help evaluate swallow function and provide therapy for swallowing problems. - See your dentist regularly
Oral health plays a major role in maintaining appetite. A dentist will be able to address poor dentition or ill-fitting dentures, which can cause loss of appetite associated with difficulty chewing as well as taste of food. - Manage depression
Depression can suppress appetite. Should that be the case for you or your loved one, seek help from a healthcare professional. Continuing to connect with others, seeking counselling and spending time with loved ones is also crucial.
Remember, maintaining good nutrition and a healthy appetite is essential for the well-being and health of older adults. If you or your loved one are 65 years old and older and struggle with loss of appetite, it is crucial that you seek a professional consultation with a consultant geriatrician in order to identify the root cause and rectify it to prevent health complications in the long run. To schedule a consultation with our Consultant Geriatricians, click here.
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