Final answer:
The eating patterns in late adulthood change due to the loss of appetite and alterations in the digestive system, which are influenced by decreased taste and smell sensitivity, psychological factors, and aging regulatory mechanisms for hunger and fullness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eating patterns in late adulthood often involve the loss of feelings of appetite, leading to potentially poorer eating habits. As individuals age, there are age-related changes in the digestive system, such as a decrease in sensitive taste buds and a decline in the sense of smell, making food less appetizing. Additionally, psychological factors like anxiety or mild depression may further reduce appetite and disrupt digestion due to imperfect mastication and secretion of digestive juices. In response, seniors may become rigid in meal times and adjust their food preferences to compensate for these changes. Furthermore, the ability to regulate appetite and satiation can change with age due to alterations in the feedback mechanisms that control hunger and fullness, including the release of the satiety hormone leptin.