Changes in eating behavior during the aging process.

The changing demographics of the world population necessitate a review of normative eating behavior in order to better differentiate eating pathologies from age-associated changes. This review examines the psychological, social, and physiological changes in aging as they affect eating behavior. Neurochemical and neurophysiological bases of appetite, psychobehavioral models of eating, and concomitant variables of depression, bereavement, and social interactions are examined. As many sensory systems decline with aging, these declines influence food choice and acceptability and may manifest conditions such as geriatric anorexia. Special circumstances of centenarians are discussed to provide further insights into pathological, normative, and superlative aging.