Food Follies : Experts say appetites may wane and food enjoyment will dull for those older than 55. That could lead to trouble.

Today’s topics: eating smart and eating cheap.

First, eating smart--which leads us, somewhat indirectly, to my mother.

“Chicken,” she recently lamented, “doesn’t taste like chicken anymore.”

She is part of a bigger picture. Experts say most of us, as we move into the years past 55, are likely to discover our appetites waning and our enjoyment of food dulling slightly. It’s a natural process, but one that could lead to trouble if we don’t stay aware.

As we age, our appetite decreases and our tongues perceive sensations differently, says Dr. Ann Sorenson, director of the nutrition office at the National Institute on Aging in Bethesda, Md.

“The sense of tasting bitterness and saltiness diminishes. And this may alter the subtle flavor of foods like meat,” Sorenson says. The same is true, she adds, in tasting sweets--it takes more sweetness to satisfy.

In addition, many older people lose their olfactory sense, which contributes greatly to the enjoyment of food.

These age-related changes can reach beyond your dining satisfaction and affect your safety.

For example, the inability to smell mercaptan, a sulfur compound added to normally odorless gas, may cause a senior citizen to overlook a leak in the home.

Another health risk results when senior citizens lose thirst. Those who haven’t been drinking enough water, Sorenson says, “are more susceptible to heat stroke or heat prostration because they often do not rehydrate themselves.”

There may be no cure for reduced hunger and thirst or a diminished sense of smell. But awareness of the situation can serve you well in the campaign to otherwise stay healthy.

Now about eating cheap. Many restaurants in Ventura County offer smaller portions, reduced prices, special menus or discount cards for senior citizens, and the number of eateries may be increasing.

The best senior dining deal I have found is at this county’s five Sizzler restaurants. Sizzler’s customized senior citizen menu features $5.99 dinner entrees ranging from fresh fish to chicken to beef, and an all-you-can-eat buffet for $6.49. The fish entrees in the Simi Valley location are slightly higher in price and they don’t offer the vegetable option.

These prices include choice of a baked potato, rice pilaf, french fries or vegetable, along with a salad and unlimited refills on most beverages.

There is also the Sizzler’s Senior Club card, issued to customers 55 and older. It allows a 20% discount daily from 2 to 5 p.m. and all day Mondays through Wednesdays on everything except weekly specials and advertised promotions. (And yes, you can use the card to get a further discount on those $5.99 seniors dinner entrees and the all-you-can-eat buffet.)

Among other senior dining discounts around the county:

* “Early Bird Meals” at the Oak Tree West Delicatessen Restaurant in Westlake Village. The special, open to all but most often used by senior citizens, runs from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Meals start with soup or salad, include one of six meat entrees, and are accompanied by three dessert options and a beverage. The price: $6.95. The “Early Bird Breakfast,” available from 6:30 to 9 a.m. weekdays, costs $3.75 and includes a full meal, such as two eggs, bacon, hash-brown potatoes and a beverage.

* Furr’s Cafeteria in Oxnard. Here, many senior citizens order the “Delight Plate,” which includes a half-portion of meat, two vegetables and bread for $3.75. The all-you-can-eat package is available for $5.49. In both cases, a beverage costs extra.

* Loop’s Restaurants in Oxnard and Ventura. At two locations (and a third that opens in a few days), senior citizens can find a $2.29 breakfast from 6 to 11:30 a.m. The offer includes an egg, the choice of bacon or sausage, and either pancakes or French toast. The $2.99 lunch special at Loop’s from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily includes beverage, soup or salad, and hamburger or sandwich. Senior citizens receive a free beverage with all meals except the breakfast special.

Mark Butler, who operates the Loop’s Restaurants, said that within six months, the new restaurant on Main Street in Ventura plans to offer a senior citizen menu with scaled-down portions and prices.

“Age to Perfection,” a free hands-on workshop for senior women, will be offered by the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the Camarillo Community Center, 1605 E. Burnley St. Modeling instructor Connie Stahl and others will discuss nutrition, exercise, hairstyles, makeup and poise. If enough interest is shown, the district will also offer a six- to eight-week modeling course for senior women for a reduced fee. (The course would have a fee.) Workshop participants can remain for lunch at the senior nutrition site for $1.75. Seating is limited. To make reservations for either event, call 482-4881 by Monday.

Correction: The Service Corps of Retired Executives’ Feb. 25 mini-clinic on managing accounts and inventories, mentioned in this space last week, will begin at 1:30 p.m. The site is Camarillo City Hall.

RESTAURANTS TO CHECK OUT

* Sizzler restaurants are open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. They are at 1755 Daily Drive, Camarillo; 401 Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks; 1041 S. Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard; 4017 E. Main St., Ventura, and 1239 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley.

* The Oak Tree West Delicatessen Restaurant, 3955 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village, is open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays.

* Furr’s Cafeteria, 1301 W. Channel Islands Blvd., Oxnard, is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

* Loop’s Restaurant, 3600 Saviers Road, Oxnard, is open 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Loop’s Restaurant at 2350 S. Victoria Ave., Montalvo, is open 24 hours a day. The Loop’s that is opening Monday at 3159 E. Main St., Ventura, will be open 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.