How to increase appetite in the elderly
How common is it for the elderly to lose their appetite?
It can often be hard to convince elderly loved ones to eat enough food throughout the day to sustain them and provide their bodies with important nutrition. Loss of appetite in older adulthood is not uncommon, and when observed it should always be acted upon – even if just as a precaution. According to a study published on the National Library of Medicine, 15-30% of community-dwelling elderly people experience appetite loss, with this figure rising in clinical settings such as nursing homes and hospitals. Finding out what meals and foods your loved one particularly enjoys, and how they like it to be prepared will always increase the likelihood of them finding their appetite. Protein can also be boosted by adding a wide range of foods, including meat, fish, eggs, beans and pulses, whilst multi-vitamins can also be taken to supplement meals. Routine is important as well and doesn’t have to only 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 also accept porridge as part of their normal day, if it’s something they enjoy.
What can cause a loss of appetite in the elderly?
A decrease in appetite in an elderly loved one isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm. As we grow older, we undergo physical changes that can that often result in a decrease in appetite – such as loss of energy levels, a lower resting metabolic rate and a less active lifestyle. However, a loss of appetite can also be caused by changes to the digestive system as a result of a medical condition, such as cancer, hypothyroidism, dementia, periodontal disease, a mental illness, and more. Therefore it’s crucial that any changes to a loved one’s appetite is reported to a medical professional so that they can check there isn’t a medical cause for it.
Eight ways to increase appetite in the elderly
Create a routine
Creating a routine 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.
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. To increase calorie intake, the NHS recommends adding butter, cream, full-fat milk or cheese to snacks or meals. For instance, a nob of butter contains 150 calories.
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.
Fight dry mouth
If dry mouth is preventing your loved one from wanting to eat, 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 moisturise your mouth, including prescription or over-the-counter mouthwashes.
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.
Encourage snacking
Snacking is 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.
Suggest stimulants
Appetite stimulants are medications that can be taken to increase appetite in cases where people aren’t consuming enough nutrients. In some cases, vitamin supplements such as zinc, thiamine and fish oil can act as appetite stimulants. In others, medication may be required, but always consult your doctor first.
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.
What should you do if you spot changes in appetite?
If you’re concerned about a loved one who is experiencing prolonged appetite loss, you should consult a medical professional. A sustained reduction in appetite could have serious consequences for a person’s health and wellbeing, especially if they’re not getting the nutrition they need. Encourage healthy, balanced meals and snacks, focusing on nutritious foods such as fruit, vegetables, yoghurt, cheese or wholegrain bread. Gentle physical activity, such as walking, can help too. Your loved one’s doctor or pharmacist may also be able to advise on suitable meal supplements. Increasing water consumption, limiting caffeine intake, stopping tobacco use and brushing teeth at least twice a day may also improve mouth health which can encourage food and drink consumption. Having the support of a Helping Hands carer can also encourage food and drink consumption as your loved one will have a regular companion who’ll encourage nutrition and hydration.
Whether you are busy during the day or you live far away from your family member, knowing that someone is going in to see them and preparing nutritious food will put the whole family’s mind at rest. We can provide care and support on both a visiting and live-in care basis, meaning they’ll be supported on an intermittent or around-the-clock basis.
Page reviewed by Rebecca Bennett, Regional Clinical Lead, on August 30, 2022.