Published on: Nov 19, 2025
Older adults who frequently eat meals alone are significantly more likely to experience poorer nutrition and overall health compared with those who share meals with others, according to new research from Flinders University.
The systematic review — published in Appetite — analyzed findings from 20 international studies investigating the link between solitary eating and measurable health outcomes among adults aged 65 years and over living in the community. The review revealed consistent links between eating alone and lower diet quality, reduced consumption of key food groups such as fruits, vegetables, and meat, as well as increased risks of weight loss and frailty.
Lead author Caitlin Wyman, an Accredited Practising Dietitian and PhD candidate at Flinders’ Caring Futures Institute, emphasized the crucial role of social connection during meals.
Food is more than nutrition alone. Sharing a meal is a meaningful social experience that influences appetite, dietary diversity, and overall wellbeing, said Wyman. While we already knew loneliness can reduce food intake, we had not fully explored the nutritional and physical impacts of eating alone.
Drawing on data from more than 80,000 older adults across 12 countries, the review indicated that mealtime setting can significantly affect health. Although a minority of studies reported no difference, most showed that solo dining is linked to poorer dietary choices and lower intake of protein-rich foods, which support muscle strength and functional independence. Some studies also associated eating alone with greater likelihood of weight loss and an increased risk of frailty.
The researchers suggest that mealtime behavior may be a modifiable risk factor for malnutrition among ageing adults. Encouraging shared meals — whether with family, friends or through community initiatives — could improve nutritional status and quality of life for older individuals living at home.
Co-author Dr Alison Yaxley noted that the findings support incorporating social and nutritional assessments into primary and aged care practices. Simple questions about eating habits could help identify individuals at risk and refer them to community dining or meal programs.
The authors also highlighted the opportunity for community-based strategies, such as neighbourhood dining groups, intergenerational shared meals, or partnerships with local cafés, to reduce the prevalence of older adults eating alone.
With significant aged-care reforms underway, there is great potential to embed food and nutrition into home-based care services to improve health outcomes for Australia’s rapidly ageing population, Wyman added.
More research is needed to determine which strategies are most effective in encouraging regular shared meals among older adults and how best to deliver them.
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