Eating in Older Age: Exploring the Complex and Changing Landscape

Ageing is multidimensional and heterogeneous, with individual variability central to person-centred nursing care. Good nutrition is a key component of healthy ageing, so recognising poor nutritional status and eating-related difficulties is essential. Age-related changes can substantially alter eating behaviours; while changes in eating and appetite are common in later life, ageing also encompasses wider behavioural and lifestyle changes that affect food choice and eating behaviour. Nurses are in a unique position to recognise such changes, particularly in the nutritional status and eating behaviours of older adults who come into their care. By understanding and recognising the complexity of eating in later life, nurses can support older adults to meet dietary requirements and address eating difficulties.