Encouraging Elderly Loved Ones to Eat Well

Many carers know how tricky it can be to encourage elderly loved ones to eat well throughout the day. A loss of appetite is quite common as people age, and while it might seem minor at first, it’s always worth keeping an eye on – even just as a precaution.

Research shows that between 15–30% of older Australians living at home experience a reduced appetite, and that number is even higher in residential aged care and hospital settings. If you notice changes in eating habits, don’t ignore them.

One of the best ways to help elderly loved ones eat well is by finding out what foods they truly enjoy – and how they like it prepared. A favourite dish made just right can often spark interest in eating again.

Getting enough protein is key for strength and recovery. This can be topped up with everyday foods like eggs, fish, lean meats, beans and legumes. A daily multivitamin might also help cover any nutritional gaps.

Routine helps too – not just when meals are served, but what’s on the plate. For example, if your loved one enjoys starting the day with a warm bowl of porridge, keeping that consistent can help them feel more settled and open to eating.

It’s all about small changes that suit their tastes, needs and comfort – and a little bit of patience never hurts.

What can cause a loss of appetite in the elderly?

A decrease in appetite in an elderly loved one isn’t always a cause for alarm. As we grow older, we go through physical changes that can that often result in a decrease in appetite – such as a lower resting metabolic rate, loss of energy levels, and a less active lifestyle. However, a loss of appetite can also be caused by changes to the digestive system as a result of a medical condition, such as cancer, hypothyroidism, dementia, periodontal disease, a mental illness, and other conditions. Therefore, it’s important that any changes to a loved one’s appetite is reported to a medical professional so that they can check there isn’t a medical cause for it.

Eight ways to help elderly loved ones eat well

Create a routine

A regular mealtime routine can create comfort and predictability—especially for older people who may feel confused or uncertain about how to eat well when they’re not hungry. Having set times for meals and drinks throughout the day helps form a habit, so they begin to expect food at those times, even if their appetite is low.

Make Meals Social

Eating together can turn a simple meal into something more enjoyable. Sharing food with friends, family, or carers encourages older loved ones to eat well, and adds a sense of connection and purpose to the occasion. Sometimes it’s less about the food, and more about the company.

Add Extra Nutrition

Every bite counts when appetites are small. Boosting the calorie and nutrient content of meals—known as fortifying—can help. Add a dash of olive oil, a spoonful of cream, or a sprinkle of grated cheese to everyday foods. Even a little butter on toast can make a difference in both taste and energy intake.

Manage Dry Mouth

A dry mouth can make eating uncomfortable. If you suspect this is an issue, speak with a GP or dentist. It’s often linked to medications. There are products available—like special mouthwashes or gels—that help keep the mouth moist and make eating less of a chore.

Try Finger Foods

When full meals feel overwhelming, try easy-to-hold, bite-sized snacks. Think veggie sticks, cheese cubes, mini quiches, toast with peanut butter, or even slices of fruit. These “grab and go” options are often less intimidating and still pack a nutritious punch.

Encourage Grazing

Rather than sticking to three big meals a day, help your loved one nibble throughout the day. Healthy snacks like yoghurt, dried fruit, nuts, dark chocolate or sliced fruit and veggies can keep energy levels up without overwhelming their appetite.

Consider Appetite Support

If your loved one is struggling to eat enough, a GP may suggest appetite stimulants or supplements like zinc, thiamine or fish oil. These can sometimes help—but always speak with a medical professional before starting anything new.

Serve Drinkable Meals

When chewing or swallowing becomes tricky, smoothies and shakes are an excellent alternative. Packed with fruit, yoghurt, oats, nut butters, or even veggies, they’re a delicious and easy way for elderly loved ones to eat well and get essential nutrients—no knife and fork required.