According to research, when people reach the age of 60, their taste buds shrink by 30%, and by 70, only about 36% remain. This reduces the tongue's ability to taste, with a diminished sense of saltiness being the first to occur, followed by sweetness. Especially in the summer, high temperatures affect appetite and digestion, and it is often heard that some elderly people complain of having a "poor appetite" or that their "food doesn't taste good." How can the elderly eat with more enjoyment?
First, increase the intake of the trace element zinc. Zinc affects the normal metabolism of proteins in cells, participates in the synthesis of gustin, and has the effect of enhancing taste bud function and nourishing taste buds. Therefore, it is important to eat more foods rich in zinc, such as oysters, lean meat, fish, eggs, soy products, walnuts, and peanuts, to increase the body's zinc content and make the sense of taste more acute.
Second, pay attention to oral hygiene, persist in rinsing the mouth after meals and brushing teeth in the morning and evening, and promptly clean food debris from between the teeth to prevent bacterial growth.
Furthermore, dental problems should be treated early, and missing teeth should be promptly replaced with dentures to maintain chewing function. This allows dishes to be chewed into small pieces, fully contact the taste buds, and increase appetite.
Fourth, maintain a cheerful mood and a happy spirit, and pay attention to the psychological aspects of eating. Do not think about or discuss unhappy matters while eating. Quit smoking and drink less alcohol, and maintain a regular daily routine. These will increase the sensitivity of the taste buds. Also, engage in more outdoor exercise and physical activities within your ability to promote gastric emptying, which will increase the feeling of hunger before meals and thus increase appetite.
In addition, taste buds are more sensitive to liquid foods than to solid foods, so the elderly can appropriately drink some vegetable soup, noodle soup, egg custard, or wonton soup during meals.
The last point is that the temperature of food should be appropriate, which is also very important for the elderly. Experiments have shown that the optimal temperature for taste bud sensitivity is 20°C-25°C.