Ageing and hunger: 10 ways to bring back appetite in seniors

By Namita S Kalla | September 08, 2025 | Image: Canva

Understand the cause

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Check for health issues like constipation, sore mouth, or medication, side-effects before making any food related changes

Flavour not blandness

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The taste fades with age, use herbs, spices, lemon juice, or ginger to make food, more appealing and tasty

Smaller, richer portions

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Avoid serving full sized plates, instead offer nutritious, small meals. Add options like soft paneer, creamy dal, or curd rice

Soften the food

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 Serve foods like porridge, mashed vegetables, upma, or idly. These are  easy to chew and swallow

Follow familiar routines

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Stick to the older person’s usual meal, timings, and preferences. A routine helps in triggering natural hunger signals

Create good time

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A calm, clean, dining set up without distractions, like TV or mobile phone can make meals more enjoyable

Encourage social eating

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Organising a get-together, even for small meals, can help boost appetite and make the experience enjoyable for the elderly

Offer simple choices

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Instead of open ended questions, give two options to choose from. It, keeps things easy and empowering

Improve food presentation

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A colourful and well-arranged plate  can make meals visually inviting and easier to recognise

Include physical movement

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Activities like walking or chair  exercises help the digestive system  and improve their appetite

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