Why do old people eat less than younger people do?

Question

Most old people I have known eat a cup of soup and can't even finish it. However I know one older person in particular that has a bigger appetite than I do, so that is why I am curious...

Answer 1

Some older people really don't do that much, so they aren't using up any energy. Food = energy. That's why younger people have so much of it!

Answer 2

They don't have any more growing to do. We continue to grow often into our late 20's (though some finish in their teens the majority of us continue to our early 20's and some don't finish until their late 20's). That growth takes energy for our cells as they are constantly splitting (which takes an enormous amount of energy), but when we are older and don't need to grow anymore we lose some of our appetite because we no longer need the energy.

Your friend may either have a bigger stomach (and needs more to feel full) or he may be more energetic and move more and needs the nutrients to restore what was used (rather than providing energy for growth beforehand it is used afterwards to restore the body).

Answer 3

Yup, I know just what you mean.
I think they are not using as much energy so they don't need that much fuel. Plus, once they started eating less their stomach became accustomed to filling up with a lot less.

They also sleep less, too, which I think is odd since they get tired easier. Perhaps because of all the naps they take during the day.

Answer 4

as we get older, our metabolism slows down, and since there is not a large energetic expenditure, the need for food is lower, so we start eating less. More than likely this person you know who has a healthy appetite has a very active lifestyle.

Answer 5

sweets.....i used to eat alot of junk when i was younger, now i cant hardly stand candy