Loss of appetite is often overlooked amid a global dialogue focused on weight control and obesity—yet, for millions of older adults, poor appetite poses a significant threat to health and well-being. Recent research covered by The Washington Post and corroborated by international and local sources underscores how common this problem has become, why it matters, and how Thai families can respond effectively to keep their elders healthy and nourished (Washington Post).
For Thais, where respecting elders and sharing food are cultural cornerstones, understanding appetite loss in the elderly is crucial. International studies show that between 15 to 30 percent of older adults experience a persistent lack of hunger, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies, frailty, loss of independence, and poorer medical outcomes (Bangkok Hospital). With Thailand’s rapidly aging society—the elderly population is expected to reach nearly 30 percent by 2030—this issue is increasingly urgent for families and healthcare professionals.
Aging affects appetite through interconnected physical, psychological, and social mechanisms. According to a professor of dietetics at the University of Plymouth, as the body ages, metabolism slows and the senses of taste and smell can fade, making food less appealing (Washington Post). Hormonal changes and common life events such as loss of a spouse or retirement can also impact eating habits. Local Thai research highlights additional risk factors, such as chronic illness, polypharmacy (taking multiple medications), dental problems, and social isolation—all prevalent among Thai elders (PMC Thai research).
Doctors warn that a persistent lack of appetite, especially when paired with unintentional weight loss, should never be dismissed as a normal part of aging. “Taking in fewer calories can cause weight and muscle loss, which zaps energy and affects balance and strength,” says an associate professor of medicine from Dalhousie University. Inadequate nutrition can weaken nearly all body systems, increasing vulnerability to infection, falls, and overall frailty—defined in a 2022 international task force report as a syndrome of weight loss, weakness, inactivity, and cognitive decline (Washington Post). For Thais, this means a higher risk of serious illness and longer hospital stays among elders with poor nutrition.
Multiple factors drive appetite loss. Medications commonly prescribed for blood pressure, depression, or bladder issues often reduce saliva production, making food harder to chew and swallow. Poor dental health, a frequent problem among Thai seniors, can make eating even traditional dishes like grilled fish or sticky rice painfully difficult (Bumrungrad Hospital). Certain medical conditions including hypothyroidism and cancer are also known triggers for inappetence.
Fortunately, recent research and expert guidelines offer practical advice on rebuilding appetite. Prescription appetite stimulants are not routinely recommended due to side effects and limited effectiveness. Instead, experts in both the West and Thailand favor non-pharmaceutical strategies. Registered dietitians emphasize small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large meals, which can be overwhelming for elders. “Start with a smaller portion size or have a goal of eating half of everything on your plate,” says a registered dietitian nutritionist Washington Post. For Thais, this can mean adopting snack-like meals more suited to the local food culture.
Prioritizing protein is vital. Protein preserves muscle and bolsters immunity—a 2024 review at MedPark Hospital suggests older adults include eggs, tofu, fish, poultry, and legumes with every meal (MedPark Hospital). For those struggling with solid foods, soft tofu, congee with minced pork, or protein-enriched beverages may help. Pair fresh fruits and vegetables with full-fat dips such as homemade hummus or peanut butter to boost calories and flavor.
Another tip is to drink water between, rather than during, meals, as fluids consumed with solid food can contribute to feeling full too soon. In many Thai families, soup broths are served with rice; offering water or tea after eating instead can help encourage greater food intake.
Adding herbs and spices is another evidence-backed tip. Aromatic ingredients, so central to Thai cuisine, stimulate the senses and can trigger appetite. Familiar home-cooked flavors—lemongrass, basil, kaffir lime—may reconnect elders with fond memories of shared meals, further encouraging eating.
Social engagement is equally important. Research repeatedly finds that eating in the company of others stimulates appetite—an effect observed in countless Thai communal meals. Encouraging grandparents to join family meals, temple feasts, or community centres’ lunchtime gatherings is a culturally relevant and research-supported method to boost intake (Bangkok Hospital).
Frailty and nutritional risk increase dramatically after even a short period of calorie restriction. Moderately active men over age 50 need 2,200–2,400 calories per day; women require approximately 1,800. Meeting these needs with age-adjusted appetites calls for creativity. Sample menus proposed by nutritionists include egg-based breakfast wraps, lentil soups with rice, grilled chicken pitas, and snacks like roasted edamame or dried fruit with cheese. These ideas can be adapted to Thai preferences, such as rice porridge with soft fish, steamed dumplings, or fruit with coconut cream.
In the Thai context, unique values must be considered. Family members are often caregivers but may not recognize the warning signs of malnutrition, dismissing small appetites as a normal consequence of aging. This misconception can delay professional intervention until complications arise. Healthcare providers emphasize the importance of early detection. If older loved ones skip meals for more than a week, avoid favorite foods, eat only a few bites at a meal, or lose weight without trying over several months, a health check is urgently warranted. Underlying treatable conditions such as dental disease, medication side effects, thyroid problems, or depression can often be addressed, ending the cycle of poor appetite.
This growing body of international and local research, together with expert consensus from top Thai hospitals, sends an urgent message: Appetite loss in the elderly is a red flag, not a benign side effect of age (Bangkok Hospital, MedPark Hospital). Poor nutrition erodes the dignity, independence, and resilience of Thailand’s elders. Yet with vigilant families, community support, and evidence-based dietary adjustments, many can regain their strength and re-engage with the pleasures of eating.
In the years ahead, as Thailand continues along its demographic transition toward an “aged society,” the health sector must prioritize screening for nutritional risk, integrating meal-sharing programs, and providing accessible dietary counseling tailored to Thai tastes and traditions. This issue is not only a medical priority, but a social one—profoundly linked to national identity, respect for elders, and communal well-being.
The call to action: Thai families and caregivers should watch closely for signs of appetite loss among elderly loved ones, normalize “mini-meal” eating, encourage regular social meals, and engage healthcare providers early when appetite declines. Local hospitals offer specialized nutrition clinics, and government resources are increasingly available for homebound elders at risk of malnutrition. By acting early, incorporating local food wisdom, and ensuring every meal is both nourishing and enjoyable, Thai society can safeguard the health and happiness of its oldest members.
Sources: Washington Post, Bangkok Hospital, MedPark Hospital, Bumrungrad International Hospital, PMC Thai research.