Melissa Mixon, human nutrition specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said older adults should watch their diets closely, especially if they are prone to heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis. Physical activity and eating right can extend your quality of life. They also can weaken a person's sense of taste.
Loss of appetite is common as the number of taste buds on the tongue declines with age.
To help increase the enjoyment of foods, enhance flavors using moderate amounts of sugar, onions, salt, butter, herbs, garlic, reduced stocks and flavored vinegars. Declining physical activity and energy can further reduce the desire for foods. Limit calories from fat to 30 percent or less. More than half of your calories should come from carbohydrates such as breads, pastas, cereals, sugars, beans, fruits and vegetables. Mixon said vitamins C, E and beta carotene are thought to have anti-oxidant properties.