Fragrances to stimulate appetite in seniors

How targeted room fragrances can positively influence eating behavior

Loss of appetite is a common problem in senior care – whether due to age-related changes, dementia, medication, or psychological stress. Many people in need of care eat too little, which can lead to malnutrition, loss of energy, and increased care needs in the long term.

What many people don't know: Fragrances can help stimulate appetite – without medication, purely by stimulating the sense of smell. Targeted room fragrances can help make mealtimes more pleasant for seniors and rekindle their appetite for food.

Why do many older people lose their appetite?

Appetite is not just a physical need, but also strongly connected to emotions and sensory impressions. Perception changes with age:

• The sense of smell diminishes, making food less appealing.

• Many seniors suffer from dry mouth, chewing, or swallowing difficulties, which make eating difficult.

• With dementia, smells can no longer be identified – recognizing meals becomes difficult.

• Depression, loneliness, or grief also have a negative impact on eating behavior.

In this case, targeted room fragrance can be helpful – by activating memories of familiar eating situations, stimulating saliva flow, and creating a positive atmosphere around food.

How do scents affect appetite?

The sense of smell plays a central role in the perception of food. What we smell largely determines whether we enjoy something. Scents that stimulate the appetite can prepare the body: saliva production is stimulated, stomach activity increases—and the feeling of hunger is stimulated.

Even a subtle, pleasant scent can help increase the desire to eat—especially if it evokes positive memories, such as the aroma of apple pie, cinnamon, vanilla, or fresh bread.

Which scents have been proven to stimulate the appetite?

In professional room fragrance, there are various scent profiles that are particularly suitable for stimulating the appetite:

• Cinnamon and vanilla: warm, sweet scents that often evoke childhood and a sense of security. Particularly effective for people with dementia.

• Lemon and orange: fresh, fruity scents that invigorate the senses and activate digestion.

• Basil, rosemary, or thyme: spicy and savory scents that are reminiscent of familiar home cooking and stimulate the feeling of hunger.

• Coffee or bread aromas: create a homey feeling and specifically stimulate the appetite – especially at breakfast.

It is important to note that the scents should be applied naturally, discreetly, and in small doses – ideally using cold misting systems that operate evenly and without residue.

How can room fragrance be integrated into everyday care?

The targeted use of fragrances around meals can be easily integrated into the daily routine. A nursing home or senior living facility could proceed as follows:

• Shortly before meals, the dining room is scented with a gentle, appetite-stimulating scent – for example, with notes of orange or spices.

• The same scent can be used in common areas or hallways through which residents walk to their meals – so the effect begins as soon as they arrive.

• After meals, a neutral or relaxing scent is used to avoid disturbing the feeling of satiety.

Even in individual care – for example, for people with dementia or in palliative care – scented dabs on a cloth or small diffusers in the room can help gently stimulate the appetite.

What do practical experiences say?

Caregivers report that with targeted scenting:

• Residents show more interest in meals

• Fewer snacks are refused

• The overall atmosphere in the dining room becomes more positive and sociable

• Patients with dementia, in particular, respond more quickly to mealtimes

• In some cases, body weight has even been stabilized

Of course, scent is no substitute for medical nutritional advice – but it can be a gentle and effective part of a comprehensive nutritional plan.

Conclusion: Fragrances can stimulate appetite – and food.

Loss of appetite in old age is not an isolated occurrence – but it doesn't have to be passively accepted. Targeted room fragrance can noticeably improve the atmosphere around meals. Fragrances trigger memories, stimulate hunger, and create an environment where eating becomes enjoyable again.

Especially in care settings, where eating often becomes routine, a well-chosen fragrance can make the difference: between eating and a truly feel-good moment.

Tip: Would you like to try a fragrance concept to stimulate appetite in your facility? We would be happy to advise you on suitable fragrances, areas of application, and on-site testing options – individually and safely.