In 2017, the World Health Organization introduced a new age classification: from birth to 18 years old is the growth and development period, 19-45 years old is the young and middle-aged period, 45-65 years old is the gradual aging period, and 65 years old is considered to enter old age. As we age, the human body will gradually undergo certain physiological changes. Various tissues and organs, especially the digestive system, will gradually age after years of use, leading to physiological phenomena such as decreased appetite, insufficient swallowing function, early satiety, and weakened digestive and absorption functions. Many elderly people have a feeling that their appetite is not as good as that of young people. Why is this? On the one hand, elderly people have decreased appetite and energy intake; On the other hand, decreased digestive capacity and reduced protein utilization ultimately lead to weight loss. The standard weight value of elderly people is generally estimated using the following formula: male standard weight (kg)=[height (cm) -100]; Female standard weight (kg)=[height (cm) -105]. If the measured weight is within 10% of the above standard values, it is considered normal. If it exceeds the ideal weight by 10% or more, it is considered overweight or obese. If it is below the ideal weight by 10% or 20%, it is considered emaciated or severely emaciated. Due to weight loss, elderly people also have a relatively reduced demand for energy intake. So how should elderly people eat? In the elderly, attention should be paid to the following 7 aspects in terms of food selection, processing methods, and eating habits. 1) Food comprehensiveness: Keep food diverse and avoid being picky eaters. 2) Diet should be light: Even if appetite decreases, try to increase the variety of food as much as possible to ensure sufficient intake. The elderly have decreased taste function and prefer to eat heavily flavored foods, unintentionally increasing their salt intake and increasing the burden on the kidneys, which may lower the oral mucosal barrier effect and increase the chances of survival and spread of the cold virus in the upper respiratory tract. So, the daily salt intake of elderly people should be controlled at around 5 grams, and they should also eat less soy sauce and other salty foods. Do not use too much salt, monosodium glutamate and other seasonings, but add appropriate seasonings such as scallions and ginger to the dish. Human facial features are similar, and smell can be used to compensate for the lack of taste. 3) Moderate diet: Elderly people have poor gastrointestinal adaptability and should avoid binge eating and drinking. The food should be soft and rotten, suitable for the physiological characteristics of elderly people with decreased chewing function and decreased secretion of digestive glands. 4) Eat less and eat more meals: because the digestive ability of the elderly is weakened, it is not advisable to eat too much at each meal and take a long time to eat. You can add some snacks such as Dim sum between three meals. Eating more meals a day can ensure the nutritional supplement of the elderly. 5) The food temperature should be appropriate: it is not advisable to eat foods that are too hot or too cold to avoid damage to the digestive tract. 6) Food should be fresh: eat more fruits to ensure the supply of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. 7) Adequate hydration: You can often make dishes such as soup, soup, and puree to eat, which not only replenishes water but also helps digestion. (Lai Xin She)