Anorexia of Aging

Appetite loss is frequent in institutionalized older adults. Physical activity is known for its benefits on appetite regulation but its effects in nursing home residents remain poorly investigated. This project will investigate the 6-month longitudinal relationships between daily physical activity time with appetite and bodyweight and how engaging in a 6-month regular exercise program can improve theses outcomes in older institutionalized older adults.

The study aims to identify key physiological factors that differentiate older adults with healthy appetites from those experiencing appetite decline. The investigators hypothesize that seniors experiencing appetite decline will exhibit distinct oro-sensory, gastrointestinal, and hormonal profiles compared to seniors with healthy appetites, suggesting underlying biological mechanisms contributing to reduced appetite.