A Scoping Review of the Literature on Correlates of Anorexia of Aging: Relevance for Public Health Prevention Strategies

Background

Anorexia of aging (i.e. the decrease or loss of appetite with aging; AA) is an important public health issue. AA leads to weight loss, which is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality among seniors. AA has mainly been studied in a biological perspective and was even regarded as normal physiological consequence of the aging process itself, rather than a negative health outcome with underlying determinants. However, some potentially modifiable psychological and social determinants were found to be associated with this eating disorder.

Objectives and Methods

A scoping review of the literature using the Arskey & O'Malley (2005) procedures was performed to (1) identify correlates of AA, and to (2) assess their relevance to develop preventive public health strategies.

Results

The results indicate that there are two main categories of correlates for AA, namely physiological and non-physiological. The first category relates to physiological dysfunction and other pathologies involving neurotransmitters and/or hormonal dysregulation. These correlates are often regarded as non-modifiable. The second category, which contains fewer correlates, includes potentially modifiable public health targets such as polypharmacy, and psychological, nutritional, social, cultural and environmental correlates.

Conclusion

Several correlates of AA have been identified. Some of them are potentially modifiable in a public health perspective. Their detailed study is required to design and implement public health interventions aimed at preventing loss of appetite in the elderly population.