A decrease in food intake in older adults is most likely attributable to which factor?

• A. Changes in taste and flavor sensations
• B. Delayed satiety
• C. Fear of incontinence
• D. Enhanced olfaction

Answer: (A)

Age-related changes in sensory perception, especially taste and flavor, often drive a smaller food intake in older adults. As people age, the number of functioning taste buds declines and saliva production can change, and medications can alter taste. This dulls the palatability of foods, making meals less enjoyable and reducing how much is eaten. Other factors like delayed satiety would more likely affect how quickly someone feels full (not why intake drops), fear of incontinence can influence mealtime behavior but isn’t a primary biological cause, and enhanced olfaction would typically increase flavor and appetite rather than decrease intake.