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‘Eating together’ key to battling poor health in older age

Picture of Ritchelle Drilon

Ritchelle Drilon

‘Eating together’ key to battling poor health in older age

Picture of Ritchelle Drilon

Ritchelle Drilon

Eating alone has been identified as a significant risk factor for frailty and poor nutrition in older adults, with a new comprehensive review calling for “social dining” to become a priority in aged care and primary health.

The research, led by Flinders University and published in the journal Appetite, analysed data from 20 international studies involving over 80,000 people aged 65 and over. It found a consistent link between those who eat alone and poorer diet quality, including a reduced intake of vital food groups like meat and vegetables.

Lead author Caitlin Wyman, from the Flinders’ Caring Futures Institute, noted that the social aspect of eating is often as critical as the food itself.

“Food is more than the nutritional benefit it provides. Sharing a meal is an important social activity that can influence appetite, dietary variety, and overall wellbeing,” Wyman said. “We knew from previous research that feelings of loneliness and social isolation can contribute to reduced food intake, but we had yet to explore the nutritional and physical outcomes of older adults eating alone versus with others.”

The review highlights a specific danger regarding physical decline. The majority of studies showed that solo diners consumed less protein-rich food, which is essential for maintaining muscle and functional ability as people age. Consequently, eating alone was associated with a higher likelihood of weight loss and an elevated risk of frailty.

“We know that ageing brings physiological changes such as reduced hunger cues and altered taste, but our findings suggest that social factors are equally important,” Wyman explained.

The authors argue that mealtime habits should be treated as a “modifiable risk factor.” This means that unlike genetic factors, the health risks associated with eating alone can be reduced through intervention.

“Eating together fosters connection, enjoyment and nourishment. Encouraging opportunities for shared meals, whether that’s with family, friends, or community programs, could help improve food intake, nutritional status and quality of life for older adults living at home,” Wyman said.

Co-author Dr Alison Yaxley believes the solution involves better screening at the primary care level.

“Simple questions about mealtime habits could help identify people at higher nutritional risk,” Dr Yaxley said. “By recognising the link between social isolation and nutrition, health professionals can connect older adults with community meal programs or social dining opportunities that have the potential to make a real difference.”

The researchers suggest that with the aged care sector currently undergoing significant changes, now is the time to integrate these social strategies into policy.

“The recent aged care reforms present a great opportunity to integrate food and nutrition into home-based aged care in Australia and optimise the nutritional status and overall health of the growing number of older adults living in our community,” Wyman concluded.

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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