The Wisdom of Old Age: Placing the older adult at the heart of healthy eating

Abstract

Poor diet and inadequate nutrient consumption are known to be causal in the development of chronic health conditions, many of which increase with age. Older adults also typically have reduced appetite and consequently are often not meeting dietary and nutrient requirements. The causes of reduced appetite are known to be multifactorial but mechanistically are not well understood. Heightened gut hormone responding and poor dentition in older adults have been implicated. Solutions to reduced appetite, including the use of oral nutritional supplements, are often not well received, with older adults preferring to consume "real" foods. Numerous studies have now demonstrated the value of food-based interventions; however some concerns, such as those related to sensory appeal, familiarity and price, can be exacerbated by age. As such, acceptance of solutions by the older generation is paramount in ensuring intervention success, and working with older adults to co-create food-based solutions is more likely to see positive outcomes. The co-creation of foods and dietary advice has been well received across a range of nutrients, including fibre and protein. However, it must also be acknowledged that there are stark individual differences in social gradients and in health between groups of older adults, and this is not always represented in the current literature. Increased awareness of dietary and food requirements in this population group is still needed, and in exploring solutions, much can be gained from consulting with older adults themselves.

Keywords: Appetite; Diet; Elderly; Food intake; Preferences.