Impact of health conditions on food intakes among older adults.

Even well older adults may experience a range of age-related physiological changes and chronic health conditions and may become increasingly sedentary--key factors that could affect appetite and hunger and lead to changes in diet composition. The present article reviews recent literature on the impact of prevalent health conditions on dietary choice. Research shows some evidence that older adults make positive dietary changes following the onset of certain chronic health conditions. However, most chronic diseases appear to lead to dietary restrictions that compromise nutritional status. The nature of the health condition and its effect on physiological function will drive the dietary change process. The extent to which health care providers counsel their patients to incorporate changes into their diet and the mindset and belief system of each individual may also have a strong impact on food choices. A recurring theme in the research examined in this review was older adults' desire to improve their diet, coupled with their frustration at not being offered sufficient counseling by their health care providers. The role of health care professionals, particularly nutritionists, in guiding older adults toward an improved diet cannot be overstated.