The Appetite Tool for Older Adults

 

 

The Appetite Tool for Older Adults

Good nutrition is important at any age, but it is vital for older adults. Many older adults are at risk for not getting the nutrition they need. Use this tool to learn more about your appetite.

Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire

A. My appetite is

1. Very poor
2. Poor
3. Average
4. Good
5. Very good

C. I feel hungry

1. Never
2. Occasionally
3. Some of the time
4. Most of the time
5. All of the time

E. Compared to when I was 50, food tastes

1. Much worse
2. Worse
3. Just as good
4. Better
5. Much better

G. I feel sick or nauseated when I eat

1. Most times
2. Often
3. Sometimes
4. Rarely
5. Never

B. When I eat, I feel full after

1. Eating only a few mouthfuls
2. Eating about a third of a plate/meal
3. Eating over half of a plate/meal
4. Eating most of the food
5. Hardly ever

D. Food tastes

1. Very bad
2. Bad
3. Average
4. Good
5. Very good

F. Normally, I eat

1. Less than one regular meal a day
2. One meal a day
3. Two meals a day
4. Three meals a day
5. More than three meals a day (including snacks)

H. Most of the time my mood is

1. Very sad
2. Sad
3. Neither sad nor happy
4. Happy
5. Very happy

 

Scoring

Add up the number s for each answer to get the total score. If your score is:

8-16 - You may be at risk for eating and appetite concerns. Talk to your doctor to see if a professional evaluation is right for you.

17-28 - You may have some eating habit and appetite concerns. Talk to your doctor about any eating habits or appetite concerns you might have

Greater than 28 - Good! You don't seem to have any eating habit or appetite concerns. Take this checklist with you to your doctor.

Source: New Screening Tool Detects Appetite Problems in Senior Adults.. American Dietetic Association, accessed June, 2011.

Source:  Healthline

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