Creating a nice atmosphere This is how seniors get their appetite again

Candles and Colors: How seniors can whet their appetite
Loneliness harms health: Not only studies show that, but also the life experience of many older people. Seniors often suffer from loss of appetite, which sometimes results from being alone and therefore less inclined to eat. Experts give tips on how to change that.
In old age, the appetite subsides
With increasing age, many people lose their appetite. Anorexia can have a variety of physical causes and is an indication of gastrointestinal disorders, for example. For many older people behind the declining appetite are reasons such as heartburn, pain when chewing or diminished taste perception. In many cases, it is also psychologically conditioned. Being alone can play a role. Many seniors then say: "It's not worth it for me alone" when it comes to making something delicious. Cooking is then often neglected.

If the food is nicely prepared, the appetite comes back. Image: Maksim Shebeko - fotolia

Regular food is important to health
This can lead to health problems. Regular food is important to the body and can boost the immune system. Effects of loss of appetite are weight loss and vitamin deficiency. Nutrition experts therefore recommend, among other things with the help of colors and herbs for more appetite of seniors to worry about. As the eye eats with, for example, colored dishes can contribute to the desire to eat. To give the food a more intense taste, herbs are recommended. This is important because the number of taste buds decreases with age and the taste perception changes.

Create a nice ambience
As Christine Sowinski from the Board of Trustees German Altershilfe explained in a message from the dpa news agency, however, many older people - the shopping or washing up - only annoying for themselves. But you should make it as nice as possible for your daily meals. Because that promotes the appetite, so Sowinski: "Put candles and cover the table nicely, the atmosphere makes a lot." Ideally, you look for company - friends, family or neighbors. If that does not work, you can cook for others. The expert also advises baking: "jam or chutneys einkochen, bread for the children and grandchildren bake or just in the Christmas time and cookies." (Ad)