Q.  My mother-in-law has been losing weight in the last year or so. She has always been very slim, but lately it seems she is hardly eating anything. Her doctor plans to do some tests and mentioned to her that it could be something called anorexia of aging. I thought that was only for teenagers. She’s in her 80s. Should we be worried?

A. Weight loss in older people is often considered just a normal part of aging. But it’s not something to ignore. Your mother-in-law is wise to check with her doctor, since lack of appetite can be a sign of a serious medical condition. She is in good company, since an estimated one in four older adults experience a reduction in appetite. Everyone is different, but weight loss can weaken the immune system and lead to bone and muscle loss, physical and mental decline, and falls and fractures. Jessica Brevilia, who interned with the AgeSpan Nutrition Program, teamed up with Community Dietitian Leigh Hartwell to research this issue. They have a few suggestions for increasing appetite.

Exercise every day – Regular exercise can help you work up an appetite. Plus, it boosts muscle, metabolism, and mood. After checking with her doctor, your mother-in-law could try a daily walk or an exercise class.

Stay hydrated – When we’re dehydrated, it can interfere with our body’s ability to regulate hunger signals. A reusable water bottle, a variety of beverages, and hydrating foods can help.

Plan regular meals and snacks – Eating at the same times every day can help trigger hunger signals. A daily routine can reduce stress and help your body feel ready to eat.

Try smaller meals more often – Sometimes eating more often is easier on the digestion and feels less overwhelming to someone who isn’t feeling very hungry. Switching from three large meals to five smaller ones may help.

Eat more nutrient-dense foods – When we’re eating less, what we eat is more important. So, it’s a good idea to eat more foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Protein-rich foods can help build muscle, which is an important part of staying healthy as we age.

Cook flavorful or favorite foods – As we age, our sense of taste can change. Try making meals for your mother-in-law with different spices and flavors. Or make comfort foods you know she likes to eat.

Many older adults begin to lose their appetite when preparing meals becomes more difficult or mealtimes feel too lonely. The Meals on Wheels program or congregate meals at local senior centers are two ways AgeSpan is working to address these issues. You can learn more about these programs on our website: www.agespan.org/solutions/nutrition-and-food-security/.

Taking steps to address appetite loss can play a role in preventing malnutrition, improving energy levels, and enhancing overall well-being. That’s a recipe that’s good for us all.

Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org. 

Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.