8 Ways to Support a Senior with No Appetite

Is your loved one struggling to eat? Here are eight dietitian approved tips for supporting them at meals

Aging can lead to many changes, including a reduced appetite. This can be extremely difficult to see if you are a care giver or support person for a senior. It may feel like you are constantly encouraging your loved one to eat and they continue to refuse. Poor appetite in seniors can be due to a variety of factors, including medical conditions, medications, or simply a decline in taste, smell, or vision. These factors can make it difficult to maintain nutrition and strength.

In this blog post, we will explore practical and compassionate strategies to encourage a senior with no appetite to eat.  

Understanding the Causes: 

Before diving into specific strategies, it’s essential to identify the potential root causes behind a senior’s lack of appetite. Consulting with healthcare professionals, including doctors and dietitians, can help pinpoint any underlying medical issues that may be contributing to reduced appetite. Common factors contributing to low appetite in seniors include: 

1. Medications

Some medications may suppress appetite or alter taste perception. Some medications can also impact digestion which can result in reduced appetite. Consult your healthcare provider to explore alternatives or adjust dosages, if possible. 

2. Health Conditions

Chronic illnesses, dental problems (including poorly fitting dentures), or gastrointestinal issues can significantly impact a senior’s ability to eat comfortably. Addressing these concerns is crucial for improving appetite. If you feel chewing problems may be getting in the way, make an appointment with a dentist or denturist. If there are coughing or swallowing difficulties at meals, let your doctor know so further assessment can be done. 

3. Depression and Loneliness

Emotional well-being plays a significant role in appetite. Seniors who are depressed or lonely may lose interest in eating. Social engagement and emotional support are essential to overall well-being. Getting your loved one involved in community programming, family events, volunteering, and/or caring for family pets can help support social engagement.  

4. Changes in Taste and Smell

Aging can dull taste and smell senses, making food less appealing. Experimenting with flavors and textures can help rekindle interest in meals. This may look like adding sauces to meals such as gravy, ketchup, hot sauce, or tartar sauce. Herbs such as cilantro, mint, dill, and parsley can also boost flavour.  

5. Mobility Issues

Difficulty moving or accessing the kitchen can discourage seniors from preparing and enjoying meals. Making the environment more accessible and having easy access to food with minimal preparation can promote independence. Easy-to-prepare foods would include things such as: 

• Microwavable egg bites 
• Pre-boiled eggs  
• Instant oatmeal packages 
• Yogurt cups  
• Canned tuna or salmon 
• Frozen vegetables and fruit  
• Whole grain bread  
• Peanut butter  
• Single-serve cheese slices  
• Quick cook rice packages  
• Store-bought rotisserie chicken 

6. Constipation

Constipation can be common in seniors due to reduced fibre and fluid intake as well as reduced physical activity. Constipation can lead to digestive discomfort and a feeling of fullness. Managing constipation with adequate fluid and fibre is key to supporting appetite. It is recommended seniors get a minimum of 1,500 ml of fluid daily. Ways to bump up fibre in the diet include: 

• Add 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of chia seed or ground flax to smoothies, oatmeal, or cream of wheat  
• Add nuts or dried fruit to baking  
• Spread avocado on top of toast 
• Add frozen berries to yogurt, hot cereal, or cold cereal  
• Choose a higher fibre whole grain bread instead of white bread  

Strategies to Encourage Eating in Seniors:

Now that we have gained some understanding of potential causes, here are 8 specific strategies to support improving appetite in seniors:  

1. Make Meal Times Pleasant and Social

Loud noises, chaos, and mess can result in increased distractions and irritation at meals. This can impact appetite. It is recommended to try the following at meals: 

• Try playing your loved one’s favourite music at meals. Avoid loud or distracting TV shows 
• Keep the table free of clutter and mess  
• Serve the food on a plate or bowl versus out of a package. There has been some evidence that using a colourful plate that contrasts the food (such as a red plate) may help intake for individuals with visual issues or dementia 
• Try to eat with your loved one. This helps with socialization and supports individuals with dementia to signal it is mealtime  

2. Small, Frequent Meals

Large meals can feel really overwhelming for most. Try the following: 

• Offer 3 small meals and 3 snacks in the day 
• Try to only offer a few items at a time. Many individuals get overwhelmed when there are too many choices  
• Start with a small portion on a plate and then offer seconds  

3. Try Reducing Caffeine

• If you find your loved one drinks a lot of tea or coffee, try to encourage this after the meal and consider switching to decaf as caffeine can blunt appetite.

4. Finger and Snack Type Foods

Finger foods are often better tolerated and accepted by seniors. Some nutritious finger foods include:  

• Toast with peanut butter and a banana on the side  
• Grilled cheese sandwich with sliced apple or berries on the side  
• Sliced veggies with hummus 
• Cheese and crackers  
• Apple with yo-nut dip (mix Greek yogurt with peanut butter to make a fruit dip) 
• A sandwich with baby carrots or diced fruit on the side  
• Homemade chicken tenders and sweet potato fries  
• Pretzels dipped in peanut butter  
• Nuts and diced fruit  
• Pita and hummus with sliced cucumber  
• No bake energy balls  
• Boiled eggs 
• Muffins, such as this banana bran muffin 

5. Incorporate Favourites

Ask your loved one what their favourite foods are and try to incorporate these throughout the day. Sometimes tastes change as people age so food preferences can also shift. 

6. Increase Calories

If your loved one is struggling to eat enough, increasing the amount of calories and/or protein in what they are eating can be beneficial. Some ways to do this include: 

• High-calorie pudding 
• Choose full-fat milk products (i.e. 9% yogurt, homogenized milk, full-fat cheese) 
• Make oatmeal with whole milk. Add 1 tablespoon hemp hearts and 1 tablespoon peanut butter to it  
• Make a high-calorie smoothie, such as this one  
• Always try to serve toast or crackers with a spread such as peanut butter, butter, or cheese  
• Add nuts to baking such as these bars or these cookies 
• Add butter or a drizzle of olive oil on top of rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes  
• Add avocado to smoothies or spread it on top of toast  

7. Encourage Movement

Movement can help bump up appetite. It can also help improve mood and mobility. Can your loved one join you on a walk around the block? Would they be interested in gentle stretching or even a class geared toward seniors? Encourage them to get up throughout the day. If movement is limited due to pain or other barriers, consider getting support from a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.  

8. Consider Nutrition Supplements

If intake remains poor, consider a liquid oral nutrition supplement that offers a drinkable form of calories and protein. Liquids are sometimes better tolerated than solids for individuals who have low appetite. 

Encouraging a senior with no appetite to eat can be extremely difficult for family members and the senior. By addressing potential causes, creating a positive dining environment, and incorporating a variety of appealing foods, we can help our loved ones maintain proper nutrition and overall well-being. It’s crucial to involve healthcare professionals in the process and tailor strategies to everyone’s unique needs. Nourishing the spirit through meaningful social interactions and enjoyable meals is key to ensuring our seniors lead fulfilling and healthy lives. If you are feeling frustrated or stuck, working with a Registered Dietitian who is skilled in working with seniors can help support you and your loved one. 

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