When it comes to the dietary considerations for the elderly, most people would probably think of "light and easily digestible." In fact, besides that, the order in which the elderly eat their meal—what they eat first and what they eat later—can also affect their appetite.
Luo Yunbo, Dean of the College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering at China Agricultural University, told a reporter from the Life Times that, for example, if the elderly are accustomed to having a snack before a meal, it might affect their appetite for the main course. Because sweets are high in sugar, they can affect digestion and easily create a feeling of fullness, so after eating them, they lose their desire for anything else. The correct order for the elderly to eat should be:
Start with some fresh vegetables or soy products, such as stir-fried cabbage or spinach, cold cucumber salad, shredded tofu, etc. These dishes are relatively light and won't affect digestion; on the contrary, because they are light, they can even stimulate the appetite.
Next, eat some richer braised or stir-fried dishes, such as Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu, or Yu-Shiang Pork Shreds. Since you started with lighter foods, eating something with a stronger flavor at this point can further increase your appetite. Conversely, if the dishes eaten first are very salty or spicy, the sense of taste is strongly stimulated from the beginning, making the tongue numb, and then other foods won't taste like much either.
Then comes the staple food. Whole grains and cereals contain various nutrients and are essential foods for the body, and a proper amount should be consumed at every meal. The elderly should not eat too much, as it increases the feeling of fullness and is not good for the stomach.
Finally, have some dessert (such as sweet soups or pastries) to add variety to the meal. Eating them last serves two purposes: one, it can refresh the palate, and two, it can help stimulate the appetite. However, desserts should not be eaten in excess; a few bites is enough, and you must leave some "space" in the stomach.