Nutrition

• Our sense of taste and smell can change as we age, which can affect our appetite and how much we like food.
• Make foods as tempting and tasty as possible so that eating stays enjoyable.
• Keep meals from becoming bland and uninteresting by varying colours and textures as much as possible.
• Try adding herbs and spices such as mint, rosemary, cinnamon or paprika.

As we age, it is common to become less interested in food. You may find that you are less hungry than you used to be, so it can be harder to get all the nutrients needed for good health.

Certain medicines, smoking and alcohol may affect the way the body absorbs nutrients. For example, smoking affects the absorption of vitamin C from foods and also vitamin C is used up in the body more quickly in those who smoke.

It is therefore important to eat a varied diet to ensure we get enough of all the essential vitamins and minerals we need. Variety is the spice of life, as they say, and this applies to what we eat too. Try to avoid eating the same things every day.