Challenges to timely identify and treat anorexia in aging in the context of the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) Program

Frailty and sarcopenia represent harm to good longevity and are often related to inadequate dietary intake and to a decrease in appetite over the years, which are characteristics of a complex process also known as anorexia in aging. Understanding the factors leading to anorexia in aging is crucial for enabling the adequate development of public policies and clinical strategies to prevent and treat this condition and to help older adults to pursue healthy aging pathways. In the present article, a brief overview on the factors contributing to appetite loss and malnutrition among older adults is presented, and challenges to timely identifying and treating anorexia in aging are discussed. Major factors known to affect appetite and favor lower food intake in older people include physiological, pathological or social conditions. Trials testing treatments for anorexia in aging have focused on education, exercise, meal adjustments, nutritional supplementation and medications, but results are variable, partly due to the multitude of etiological factors and determinants of appetite loss in older adults, demanding further research. Routine screening in primary care with simple tools, as the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) program, might important contribute for preserving intrinsic capacity and nutritional status, as also to early identifying the need for treating anorexia in aging.