Although it is common for most people to eat a little less and experience changes in their appetite as they age, severe changes in diet can lead to malnutrition and other negative health outcomes for seniors. Simply having a poor appetite for a short period of time doesn’t automatically spell trouble, but getting less nutrients over time can be problematic. That’s why we need to pay closer attention to the nutritional status of seniors at home and in care communities.
Many Reasons for Decreased Appetite
While most experts would agree that loss of appetite is a normal part of the aging process, due to less exertion of energy, for instance, it doesn’t mean anything is medically wrong. Lessened activity and metabolic rate may lead to the need for fewer calories. On the other hand, there are plenty of warning signs and symptoms that could mean trouble. The aging process itself, can be associated with physiological and perceptual changes that lead to decreased appetite. Changes in our senses, particularly smell and taste can make eating less enjoyable. Dental problems can cause issues with eating and enjoying meals.
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One of the most common reasons behind a decreased appetite is the use of certain medications as well as their side effects. It is a well-known fact that seniors take more medications than anyone of any other age group, so they can be problematic concerning the senior’s diet and nutrition.
As we grow older, we are at a higher risk of many age-related diseases and disorders that can interfere with one’s desire to eat. For instance, some conditions require various dietary restrictions including low fat, salt, and sugar. When foods that the senior once loved no longer have flavor, they may feel that eating is no longer enjoyable or worth it. This becomes a quality of life issue for many seniors. Seniors should also be evaluated by a physician to rule out physical health conditions that may interfere with appetite.
Beyond physical conditions, there are a number of psychological, mental and emotional issues that can interfere with appetite. Many seniors are either diagnosed or undiagnosed with disorders such as depression or anxiety. Perhaps they have problems with quality of sleep. Being lonely, isolated, lacking meaning and purpose and other negative emotional states can interfere not only with appetite, but are associated with poor nutrition and a general decline in health and well-being.
One of the more serious classifications of illnesses, neurodegenerative disorders, can lead to serious dietary problems. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Huntington’s, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and HIV are associated with altered nutritional status and decreased appetite. These disorders should be taken seriously and the senior assessed routinely for changes in dietary status.
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