Loss of appetite is a phenomenon that is frequently observed in older people. “This is also part of aging. The metabolism slows down, digestion is less effective, we absorb less well and sensory functions are also altered.”, explains the dietician. This situation is not without risk and can lead to malnutrition.
Why are older people no longer hungry?
Different factors can explain why older people are less hungry. “This loss of appetite is notably linked to the deterioration of taste sensations. The diminished sense of smell and taste means that food may be less palatable”, observes Aline Quenette. Another important element, the context of life and isolation. “When the person finds themselves alone at the table, they lose the desire to cook themselves. We often see elderly people who will snack but without making real substantial meals.”, explains the dietitian.
The latter specifies that it is often the intake of proteins, and in particular meat, which is mainly in decline. According to recommendations, it is enough for an adult to eat one serving of animal protein per day. But the elderly have greater protein needs, two daily intakes are necessary.
Elderly person who no longer eats: when to worry?
It is essentially weight loss that will trigger the questioning due to the risk of malnutrition. This phenomenon concerns 4 to 10% of independent elderly people who live at home and up to 35% in EHPADs. Undernutrition meets very specific criteria: a BMI less than 22, a weight loss greater than 5% in one month or 10% in 6 months compared to usual weight, a reduction in food intake of more than 50%, confirmed sarcopenia. “The more undernourished a person is, the less they want to eat. The digestive system is more difficult to mobilize, which also affects the appetite. It’s the spiral”, observes the dietician. This is also why older people will reduce certain foods or have less desire for them, due to the digestive disorders that can potentially cause them.
What to do when an elderly person no longer eats and how to stimulate the appetite?
It is possible to do several things to stimulate the appetite. The first is, when possible, to eat regularly with the person in order to restore a certain conviviality to meals. You can also bring more appetizing dishes or organize a meal delivery. “The objective will also be to stimulate the taste, by adding salt, sugar, spices, aromatics to spice up the dishes.”, recommends Aline Quenette.
A person who has diabetes or hypertension may have adopted a strict low-salt or low-carbohydrate diet for several years. “We now know that from a certain age these diets do not have a huge impact on these pathologies, however leading to a loss of appetite. But the priority at this age is to eat”, explains the dietician.
Lack of appetite and reduced intake in the elderly: advice from the dietician
Enrich dishes
“Depending on the person’s needs, the objective is to increase energy and/or protein intake but without increasing volume. For example, you can add mixed meat or an egg yolk to a puree to make it richer, but also add cream, oil, gruyere cheese, milk powder, condensed milk to dishes.”, recommends Aline Quenette. Vermicelli or even tapioca also help increase the density of dishes.
Split meals
If we want the person to gain weight and have difficulty eating full meals, we can divide them into 4 or 5 meals. “Small quantities are less complicated to take, easier to digest and can be supplemented with snacks in the morning and afternoon (pieces of bread, cheese, compote, cream dessert, etc..”, advises the dietitian.
Oral nutritional supplements in cases of malnutrition
Finally, when malnutrition is proven, it is possible to obtain oral nutritional supplements by prescription in pharmacies. They should be taken not as a replacement for a meal, but as a complement to them. “Small bottles are quite difficult to drink and older people get tired of them quickly. It is better to choose other forms: creams, biscuits, madeleines or even bread which can be taken as a snack or as a morning snack. advises the dietician.
Loss of appetite in an elderly person: who to consult?
The general practitioner is the preferred contact and it is he who will be able to make the diagnosis of malnutrition. To receive food and diet advice, you can also contact a dietician-nutritionist.
Thanks to Aline Quenette, dietitian in Péronnas (Ain).