Appetite

What is appetite?

Appetite is a natural desire or need for food. Although an appetite out of control can be a problem, a good appetite is most often a sign of health and well-being. Appetite is a combination of:

• hunger
• habit
• enjoying the taste, sight, and smell of food
• looking forward to sharing the pleasure of the meal.

Loss of appetite can cause health problems. Activity levels and body functions gradually slow down as you get older and you may need only 75% of the calories that you needed at age 20. But you still need the same proteins, minerals, and vitamins throughout life in order to stay healthy.

How does appetite change with aging?

Older adults may lose interest in food due to:

• a reduced sense of taste and smell
• certain medicines that affect appetite
• pain
• depression
• problems with dentures.

Getting out to shop and meet people may be difficult. Even if getting out is not a problem, it may not seem worth the effort to shop and prepare food for one person. Other people tend to eat more as they get older. Eating may be a way to take our minds off our troubles, or a way to try and get the energy to deal with things.

What are the symptoms of appetite problems?

Symptoms may include:

• weight loss or weight gain
• lack of interest in life, lack of energy
• paleness due to not eating the right nutrients
• constipation from not eating enough fiber.

How can I take care of myself?

Think about why you have less appetite or more appetite than you used to have. Loneliness is one of the most common reasons. You might arrange to eat lunch with friends or a relative sometimes, or eat some of your meals at a senior center. Keep food available that requires little energy to prepare, and can be eaten right out of the refrigerator or easily heated in the microwave. Avoid cooking strong smelling foods (such as fish or cauliflower).

One problem with poor appetite is that you may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy. Try to vary your food to include fresh fruit and vegetables. You can often use the salad bar at your local grocery store to get variety without having to buy more than you need. This will also help if you are constipated.

Whether you are eating too little or too much, set regular meal times. Eat smaller meals more often. Eat 3 or 4 small meals through the day, rather than 1 or 2 large ones. Eat slowly and relax for 30 minutes after eating. If you are underweight, you may also need 2 or 3 snacks between meals to improve your weight.

Exercise is the other important factor in appetite control. Exercise will improve a poor appetite. It will also help burn off excess calories if you are overweight. Try to do the equivalent of walking at least a mile a day. You will often find senior walking groups at shopping malls before the stores open. Contact your local parks and recreation department or your local senior center to find out if there is a group near you.

See your healthcare provider if a loss of appetite results in weight loss or poor nutrition. Any unexplained appetite loss that lasts longer than a week could be a sign of a more serious problem.