Older adults may have ill-fitting dentures or other dental issues that cause difficulty chewing, which can reduce the type and quantity of food they eat. Diminished function of salivary glands also inhibits food intake.

Recognizing these oral health problems offers an opportunity to improve food consumption.

Swallowing problems can also limit the amount and type of food consumed.

In addition, many older adults have difficulty keeping liquids in their mouths. They may cough after drinking or eating, experience shortness of breath while drinking or after eating, or have problems with food getting stuck in the mouth or throat.

Stroke patients, in particular, can have swallowing problems as well as difficulties with manual dexterity, further impairing their ability to prepare food and eat meals.