How to Stimulate Appetite in the Elderly

Overview

One of the hazards that elderly people face is malnutrition and loss of appetite. This can be due to a number of factors--reduced activity, diminished senses of smell and taste, depression, or medication side effects--and can have serious consequences for the senior's health. There are a number of relatively simple techniques to stimulate appetite in the elderly.

Step 1

Offer favorite foods. For many people, having their favorite foods causes them to eat more. While this is not always effective in the elderly, it is worth a try.

Step 2

Offer many small meals on a schedule. This works in two different ways: eating according to a schedule helps elderly people learn to eat based on a schedule, rather than when they "feel hungry" (which could possibly not happen all day) and will also limit the feelings of fullness.

Step 3

Avoid excessive liquids during meals. Liquids can cause elderly people to lose their appetite. The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding liquids for the 30 minutes before and after a meal to maximize appetite.

Step 4

Enhance smells and flavors. Many seniors have a diminished sense of taste and smell, so try to increase the flavors in their food using herbs, sauces, marinades and dressings. Varying textures (such as adding granola to yogurt) may also help maintain the appetite.

Step 5

Ask the elderly person's doctor about medications. There are a number of prescription medications, including dronabinol, megestrol acetate and oxandrolone, which can be used to stimulate appetite. A physician will be able to determine if these medications are safe for an elderly patient.