title: The anorexia of aging.
abstract: Undernutrition is common in the elderly, particularly those in nursing homes and other institutions. It is associated with substantial adverse effects. The age-associated physiologic reduction in appetite and food intake, which has been termed "the anorexia of aging," contributes to the development of pathologic anorexia and undernutrition. This article reviews age-related changes to appetite, food intake, and body composition; undernutrition in the elderly; and the factors contributing to physiologic and pathologic anorexia and undernutrition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Level 6 Eleanor Harrald Building, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide 5000, Australia. ian.chapman@adelaide.edu.au
authors.forename: Ian McPhee
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Chapman
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D000855:Anorexia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D001066:Appetite; D001823:Body Composition; D002149:Energy Intake; D006801:Humans; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control