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. 2015 Jun;27(5):29-35.
doi: 10.7748/nop.27.5.29.e697.

An overview of appetite decline in older people

Anna L Pilgrim  1 , Sian M Robinson, Avan Aihie Sayer, Helen C Roberts
Affiliations

An overview of appetite decline in older people

Anna L Pilgrim et al. Nurs Older People. 2015 Jun.

Abstract

Poor appetite is a common problem in older people living at home and in care homes, as well as hospital inpatients. It can contribute to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies, and associated poor healthcare outcomes, including increased mortality. Understanding the causes of reduced appetite and knowing how to measure it will enable nurses and other clinical staff working in a range of community and hospital settings to identify patients with impaired appetite. A range of strategies can be used to promote better appetite and increase food intake.

Keywords: Appetite; eating; malnutrition; nutritional deficiencies; strategies; weight loss.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Control of appetite, with changes that can occur with ageing in red
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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