Older individual’s perceptions of appetite, its loss, influencing factors and adaptions to poor appetite. A qualitative study

Appetite loss in later life is common and associated with malnutrition; however, there is limited knowledge on older individuals’ perspectives of appetite. This study aimed to explore what ‘appetite’ means to older adults, how they experience its change and perceived influences on this experience. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirteen participants, aged ≥65 years, in their own home, following a recent arm fracture. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis with inductive coding resulting in three themes. 1. ‘Appetite as an emotional experience’ encompassed positive or negative thoughts and feelings driving or undermining desire to eat. Mood, the appeal of food, cooking and effects of interaction and experiences with other people were factors in this narrative. 2. ‘Appetite reflects a physical need’ comprised physical bodily sensations or requirements as a driver for appetite with poor appetite resulting from early or over fullness. Declines with age, illness and less activity, were factors in this narrative. 3. ‘Adaption to poor appetite aligns with perception of appetite and wider physical health’ accounts for how experiential strategies, or practical strategies were used to mitigate poor appetite depending on the narrative of appetite loss, alongside perceptions of physical health and unplanned weight loss. Most individuals used one narrative in their discussions and reflections but for some, perceptions of appetite and its change were more complex. Understanding relationships between these perceptions of appetite and influential factors could facilitate development of multi-component, person-centred, strategies that are optimally meaningful and relevant to address appetite loss in later life