What should you know about poor appetite in elderly?

Taste and smell may change with age, illness, medicines, dental pain, dry mouth, constipation, or difficulty swallowing. Depression can reduce interest in food, while gastritis or a peptic ulcer may make eating uncomfortable. Gastroenteritis, influenza, COVID-19, and hepatitis A can reduce appetite during an acute illness. Less commonly, ongoing appetite loss with abdominal discomfort, jaundice, or unexplained weakness needs investigation for a deeper problem, including pancreatic cancer. Poor appetite is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and the pattern matters.

Offer small, appealing meals and nourishing snacks at regular times rather than relying on one large plate. Include familiar flavours, soft textures when chewing is difficult, and drinks between meals if large amounts with food cause fullness. Check dentures, mouth soreness, constipation, pain, mood, and recent medicine changes. Eating with company and reducing distractions can help. A clinician or dietitian can suggest suitable nutrition support, especially when diabetes, kidney disease, swallowing difficulty, or fluid restrictions are present.

Seek prompt care for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, inability to swallow fluids, very little urine, black or bloody stool, severe abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Arrange a review when appetite loss continues, clothing becomes looser, meals are repeatedly missed, or an older person is becoming less mobile. An infection may be serious even without a strong fever in some older adults.

Could a medicine, dental issue, swallowing problem, infection, or mood change be affecting appetite? Should weight, hydration, blood tests, or a nutrition review be checked?