1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 30
Summary
Adults 60 and older consume 16% to 20% fewer calories than younger adults, according to an analysis of nearly 60 studies cited by researchers.
Hormonal shifts appear to be a key driver: limited research suggests older adults produce less ghrelin—the hormone that stimulates hunger—or respond less strongly to it.
That weaker hunger signaling can make people in their 60s feel full faster and reduce their desire to eat, even when appetite was strong earlier in life.
Experts said appetite in later life is shaped by multiple factors, but age-related changes in satiety and hunger help explain why eating less is common.