Eating Well As You Get Older
Frequently Asked Questions
30. Why do people lose interest in eating and cooking as they get older?
Some people lose interest in eating and cooking because their senses of taste and smell change with age. Foods a person once enjoyed might seem less flavorful as he or she gets older. Some medicines can change the sense of taste or make a person feel less hungry.
Problems with chewing, digestion, or gas can make an older person lose interest in eating. In addition, some older adults don't eat well because they find it hard to shop for food or cook. Others don't enjoy meals because they often eat alone.
Not eating enough or avoiding some foods could mean that a person misses out on needed vitamins, minerals, fiber, or protein. Not eating enough could also mean that the person doesn't get enough calories.