What Is Loss of Appetite in Older People?

Loss of appetite in later life is not uncommon, and it isn’t necessarily something to be alarmed about. However, when observed it should always be acted upon, even as a precaution.

While loss of appetite can be a symptom of some illnesses, such as cancer, hypothyroidism, and dementia, more often it’s likely to be due to a loss of taste and smell, ill-fitting dentures, depression, or fears around swallowing. If someone you care about can’t tell you why they’re not eating, you should consult a medical professional for further advice.

A smiling man in a light purple uniform places a milk bottle in a kitchen cupboard. A beige shopping bag with groceries sits on the worktop beside him. The kitchen has light cupboards and open shelves.

Common Causes of Loss of Appetite in the Elderly

Loss of appetite in the elderly can be caused by many things. Identifying the exact cause is important, as it can lead to malnutrition and other health complications.

Medical Conditions

Dental issues can reduce the desire to eat. Chronic or acute illnesses can often affect energy levels and hunger signals. Gastrointestinal problems can also make eating uncomfortable.

Medications

Side effects of medications can cause nausea, an unpleasant taste, or dry mouth, which can all effect appetite. Interactions between multiple medications can also suppress appetite.

Mental Health

Depression, anxiety, or grief often reduces the desire to eat. When someone is struggling with their mental health, self-care can be neglected, including essential tasks such as preparing and eating food.

Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing – or dysphagia – can prevent people from wanting to eat due to fear of choking. Food may need to be chopped up into small pieces or even delivered in liquid form in some cases.

Eating alone constantly can reduce interest in preparing and consuming food. Offering to eat together may be all the person needs to take an interest in eating again. Spending quality time together may also help.

Loss of Routine

Needing support at home may cause some people to exert their independence, such as by not eating. Helping Hands’ patient carers will always take the time to get to know their customers.

Loss of Appetite in Elderly People With Dementia

Damage in the brain due to dementia can cause someone to not recognise signs of hunger, thirst, or feeling full. This can affect appetite and mean they don’t wish to eat, or even consume too much food. If someone is refusing to eat and is living with dementia there are things that can be tried to encourage them to eat.

Mirroring: The person may have ‘forgotten’ the actions of eating, but if someone else sits in their eyeline and eats, they may mirror what they’re doing

Using tableware: The part of the brain that controls coordination may be damaged, so they may need support to use cutlery and drinking vessels effectively

Senses: The person’s vision and sense of smell may be affected, but they may respond better to food with obvious flavours that they can taste

Keep it simple: Clashing patterned tableware may be confusing for someone with dementia, so use bright, single colours to contrast with food.

An older man with glasses and a younger woman sit on a sofa, smiling and laughing together while looking at a tablet device. The atmosphere is warm and friendly.

How to Spot the Signs of Poor Appetite in an Elderly Person

Noticing that someone is struggling with poor appetite may be as obvious as them losing weight, however signs may be more subtle. They may appear to eat but then hold the food in their mouth or spit it out if they’re worried about choking.

They may also be worried about not getting to the toilet in time so will avoid eating and drinking. If the person is spending a lot of time in bed or asleep then they may not be eating enough or it could be a sign of depression. Either way, medical advice should be sought.

A smiling female carer in a purple uniform and blue gloves slices vegetables, including carrots and peppers, on a kitchen worktop, while talking to someone holding a mug.

When Should You Be Worried About an Elderly Person With No Appetite?

The Alzheimer’s Society says “If someone isn’t eating enough, it can lead to weight loss and less muscle strength. They may also feel tired and weak. This can make them frailer and less able to recover from infections or viruses.”

Consequently, it is important to seek advice and support from a healthcare professional who will be able to refer the person to appropriate support. For instance, their GP should be able to refer them to a speech and language therapist to help with choking fears, and an occupational therapist who can supply equipment to help with eating and drinking.

A carer in a purple uniform pours tea for an elderly man and woman sitting at a garden table, smiling and enjoying a sunny day. The table has tea cups, a teapot, and snacks. Greenery surrounds the patio area.

How to Help an Elderly Person with Their Appetite

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 eating or drinking

Eat with others

Turning mealtimes into a social event can remind your loved one about the importance of eating, as well as creating an enjoyable event for them to look forward to

Encourage snacking

Snacking is a great idea to encourage your elderly loved ones to graze throughout the day. Energy-dense snacks can be a great calorie boost

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 medication is often the primary cause of dry mouth

Use finger foods

Finger foods with high nutritional value such as samosas, cheese cubes, and peanut butter will all increase calorie intake through small, digestible portions

Fortify food

Fortifying foods can help to increase vital nutrients such as iron and calcium. The NHS recommends adding butter, cream, full-fat milk, or cheese to add calories

How Helping Hands Can Support With Nutrition and Mealtimes

If you live far away from a loved one or you’re busy during the day, having a Helping Hands carer going in to see them at mealtimes, or living-in around the clock, is peace of mind for everyone concerned. If your loved one refuses to eat it can be particularly upsetting, and anxiety may cause you to become angry or frustrated with them. However, this is likely to make the person even less willing to eat or drink due to an increase in stress and confusion.

Finding out what meals and foods your loved one particularly enjoys, and how they like them prepared will always increase the likelihood of them finding their appetite. This is where having the support of a Helping Hands carer is priceless; your loved one will have a regular companion who’ll encourage nutrition and hydration throughout the day.

A smiling carer in a purple uniform and gloves sits next to an older woman who is laughing and eating a meal at a kitchen table. A glass of water and a plate of food are on the table.

FAQs About Loss of Appetite in the Elderly

Yes, it is very common for older people to eat less, as appetite decreases as we age. Lower energy needs, slower metabolism, and reduced activity all contribute to needing less calories. Sudden unexpected weight loss or lack of appetite should always be investigated by a medical professional though.

Circumstances differ. If the person is on end-of-life care for instance, their body will stop processing nutrients, and the shift will focus from feeding to comfort. This includes keeping them hydrated, if appropriate.

Dehydration can definitely reduce appetite. While initial thirst can be confused for hunger as the body produces similar sensations, dehydration can cause fainting and loss of appetite. Drinking water may also help prevent weight gain as it can suppress the ‘hunger hormone’ that regulates appetite.

Carers can encourage eating by being patient and remaining calm. Asking the person what foods they’d like, making food visibly appealing, and keeping portions small may all tempt someone. Routine can also help someone to eat. If you’re concerned about prolonged appetite loss, you should consult a medical professional.

Depression is a common contributor to loss of appetite in later life. This can result in unintended weight loss and a lack of nutrients being consumed. This can be made worse by bereavement, loneliness, or physical symptoms.

If someone isn’t eating enough it can lead to weight loss and less muscle strength. It can also lead to tiredness and feeling weak which leads to frailty, and an inability to recover from infections or viruses.

Reviewed by Honor Elliott, Clinical Manager, on May 20th 2026.

How we wrote this page 
This page has been produced referencing key insights and data from external experts, trusted medical sources and our team of in-house specialists. We have worked hard to ensure that all information is as accurate as possible and reflects current consensus at the time of writing and reviewing.

Loss of Appetite in the Elderly: Causes and How to Help

What Is Loss of Appetite in Older People?