Make Meals and Snacks Nutrient-dense

This means making nutrient-rich foods the focus of the meal. For example, instead of plain chicken broth, try a hearty chicken and vegetable soup. Casseroles, stews, and roasts are also good meal ideas.

Add Extra Calories Without Extra Volume

For people who have a small appetite, there are ways to boost nutrition without adding lots of extra food. For example:

• Add extra sauces, gravies, and grated cheese to entrees and side dishes.
• Stir powdered skim milk into milk, milkshakes, and cold and hot cereals.
• Add honey, molasses, or maple syrup to hot cereal.
• Sprinkle wheat germ into hot and cold cereals, and add it to baked goods, such as breads and muffins.

Use Herbs and Spices When Preparing Foods

Because many elders have diminished sense of taste and smell, making food as flavorful as possible is important. Try cooking with garlic and onion powder, salt-free seasoning blends, and fresh and dried herbs, such as basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and cilantro.

Make Meals Colorful and Appealing

Instead of regular mashed potatoes, try mashed sweet potatoes for a colorful and nutritious boost. Instead of plain buttered noodles, try pasta with a vibrant red tomato sauce.

Serve Several Small Meals and Snacks (Instead of Three Big Ones)

Older people with diminished appetites are often overwhelmed by large meals, so serving smaller, more frequent meals and snacks can help them feel less overwhelmed and more able to eat what they need.

Do Not Fill Up on Non-nutritious Items

For people with a small appetite, it is important not to fill up on things like coffee, tea, and soft drinks, which can take the place of more nutritious items.

Serve up a variety of foods. Research shows that elderly adults eat more when presented with a variety of foods to choose from. Here are some strategies to increase the variety on the table:

• Strive to include foods from every food group and of all different colors.
• Invite friends over for a pot luck dinner.
• Go out for a buffet-style Sunday brunch.

Make Mealtime Enjoyable and Social

When possible, invite friends or family over for meal times or visit community-based senior meal sites for social interaction during meals.

Use Nutrition Supplements When Necessary

While a well-balanced diet is the best bet, some people may find it easier to sip a nutrition supplement drink than to eat a meal. But, talk to your doctor or dietician to see if this is something that you should do.

Take Advantage of Services That Are Available

Many communities offer a wide range of nutrition services for older adults, including community dining sites, home-delivered meals, and home visits with registered dietitians. Research shows that meal services, such as Meals on Wheels, can improve or help maintain nutritional status in seniors. Contact your local town or city hall, department of health, or community hospital to find out what services are available in your area.