今日はよく召し上がっていますね。 — You're eating really well today! (Care · Daily · Support, Friendly to Senior, JLPT N4)

Gesture & etiquette

Observe from a respectful distance with a warm, approving nod; do not hover over their plate or point; a calm, genuine smile communicates the compliment better than any dramatic reaction — over-praising can feel patronizing.

Using the honorific verb '召し上がる' (respectful form of 食べる) shows proper reverence. Positive, specific observations during meals support seniors with reduced appetite — but avoid comparisons to previous days ('昨日より食べてる！') which can feel pressuring rather than encouraging.