Centre for Policy on Ageing



Eating habits and appetite control in the elderly — the anorexia of aging
Author(s)	Lorenzo M Donini, Claudia Savina, Carlo Cannella
Journal title	International Psychogeriatrics, vol 15, no 1, March 2003
Pages	pp 73-88
Keywords	Nutrition ; Diet ; Malnutrition.
Annotation	Although a high prevalence of overweight is present in older people, of more concern is the reported decline in food intake and the loss of motivation to eat. This suggests the presence of problems associated with the regulation of energy balance and the control of food intake. A reduced energy intake causing body weight loss may be caused by social or physiological factors, or a combination of both. A further factor is use of prescription medications, a number of which can cause malabsorption of nutrients, gastrointestinal symptoms, and loss of appetite. There is now good evidence that, although age-related reduction in energy intake is largely a physiological effect of healthy ageing, it may predispose to the harmful anorectic effects of psychological, social and physical problems that become increasingly frequent with ageing. This article outlines how an increasing understanding of these factors should enable the development of appropriate preventative and treatment strategies and improve older people's health. (RH).
Accession Number	CPA-030718205 A
Classmark	CF: CFD: CSM
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...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.