Encouraging Healthy Eating: How To Boost Your Senior’s Appetite
Always Best Care TeamAuthor
February 18, 2026
Maintaining proper nutrition is essential for seniors, but many older adults experience a noticeable drop in appetite as they age. This can be caused by a range of factors—from changes in taste and smell to medications, dental problems, or even loneliness. Left unaddressed, poor appetite can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and decreased energy levels, all of which can negatively impact overall health and independence.
Before trying to fix the problem, it’s important to understand why your senior may not be eating well. Some common reasons for decreased appetite include:
Seniors are more likely to eat when food looks and smells good. Try enhancing the visual appeal of meals by including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, serving food on attractive plates, and using herbs and spices to boost flavor without adding excess salt.
Large meals can be overwhelming, especially for those with smaller appetites. Instead, try offering smaller portions more frequently throughout the day—three small meals and two to three snacks, for example.
Eating is often a social activity. Many seniors lose interest in food when they’re eating alone. Sharing meals with your loved one—even just once or twice a week—can make a big difference.
If chewing or swallowing is difficult, focus on soft, easy-to-eat foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, or soups. Ensure that dentures fit properly and that any mouth pain is addressed by a dentist.
Helping a senior maintain good nutrition doesn’t have to fall entirely on your shoulders. Always Best Care provides assistance with meal planning, grocery shopping, and preparing tasty, nutritious meals tailored to your loved one’s preferences.
Understand the Underlying Causes
Before trying to fix the problem, it’s important to understand why your senior may not be eating well. Some common reasons for decreased appetite include:
- Side effects from medications, such as nausea or dry mouth
- Dental issues or ill-fitting dentures
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Depression, isolation, or grief
- Loss of taste or smell
Make Meals More Appealing
Seniors are more likely to eat when food looks and smells good. Try enhancing the visual appeal of meals by including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, serving food on attractive plates, and using herbs and spices to boost flavor without adding excess salt.
Serve Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Large meals can be overwhelming, especially for those with smaller appetites. Instead, try offering smaller portions more frequently throughout the day—three small meals and two to three snacks, for example.
Eat Together When Possible
Eating is often a social activity. Many seniors lose interest in food when they’re eating alone. Sharing meals with your loved one—even just once or twice a week—can make a big difference.
Make Eating Easier
If chewing or swallowing is difficult, focus on soft, easy-to-eat foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, or soups. Ensure that dentures fit properly and that any mouth pain is addressed by a dentist.
Helping a senior maintain good nutrition doesn’t have to fall entirely on your shoulders. Always Best Care provides assistance with meal planning, grocery shopping, and preparing tasty, nutritious meals tailored to your loved one’s preferences.
