Article by Amy Carlini, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2026 April)
As we age, we may eat less than we did when we were younger. This can be the case for people who are perfectly healthy, and maintaining a healthy weight has numerous benefits to overall health. Eating fewer calories while making sure the calories you do eat are dense in essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and protein is a great way to look and feel your best. It is a myth, however, that older people don’t feel like eating because our bodies don’t require as much food. Loss of appetite is not “natural,” and can signal a serious medical issue. Also, by not eating enough, we may not get the nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy.
There are many reasons some people lose their appetite as they age. It’s important to talk to your doctor to rule out any serious health concerns that can cause you to avoid eating. Here are five common reasons eating may become unpleasant:
- Dry mouth caused by certain medications can make chewing and swallowing seem like hard work. It can make you feel like you don’t have the energy to eat.
- Painful dental issues, tooth sensitivity to hot and cold food, and issues with dentures or dental implants can make you dread mealtime.
- Low physical activity slows down metabolism and can make people feel less hungry. When we become more sedentary, we lose muscle mass, which can affect balance, blood sugar, and overall health. Not sleeping well can also make people feel tired, less active, and have a low appetite.
- Taste buds shrink and decrease in number as we age, making food taste blander or even bad. A decrease in our ability to smell is also common. Some medications can affect taste and smell as well, making meals less enjoyable.
- Depression can lead to loss of appetite, and loss of appetite for other reasons can lead to depression. What we eat and how much we eat can affect our mood. Low blood sugar from not eating can make us feel depressed. Depression may also lead people to avoid social situations like eating in a common dining area or with other people.
This is not an exhaustive list of reasons that loss of appetite can occur as we age. If you or someone you love has lost their appetite, it’s important to talk to a doctor about any of these symptoms to learn what treatment options may be available and how to maintain adequate nutrition. Don’t assume it’s natural for someone to eat less just because they are older. Eating the appropriate amount of calories through nutrient-dense foods is essential for good health. While eating fewer calories may be beneficial for some people when combined with proper nutrition, avoiding foods or eating less because you find eating unpleasant is neither healthy nor normal.
Managing overall health can become more complicated as we grow older, as many conditions often come with symptoms which can directly impact nutrition and overall well-being. One valuable resource for managing these challenges is the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP). This evidence-based, interactive six-week workshop is designed to help individuals take charge of their health and improve their quality of life. The program teaches positive strategies for better health, including better nutrition and increasing physical activity, as well as managing symptoms such as pain and fatigue. This workshop is offered at no charge by Inova ElderLink, a partnership program between Inova and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. Register at tinyurl.com/CDSMP123.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).