Embracing the Vitality of Healthy Aging

Source: https://gsdrc.org/professional-dev/ageing-and-development/

Current Trends in Healthy Ageing for 2024

As we move into 2024, the spotlight is on the trend of healthy ageing, reflecting our society’s gradual shift towards an older demographic. This transition brings several sensory changes, affecting taste, smell, vision, hearing, and even body balance. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in this context, not only in maintaining overall health but also in influencing the onset and progression of age-related conditions like diabetes, bone and joint problems, and heart diseases. It’s imperative for food and beverage brands to step up by offering nutrient-dense options that are not only beneficial but also accessible, affordable, and convenient for the increasingly active senior population. This approach is key to supporting healthy aging and enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

Innovations to Support Healthy Ageing

As we age, sensory degradation, including diminished sensitivity to flavors like saltiness and sweetness or a decrease in the sense of smell, becomes more common. Challenges such as Dysphagia, leading to a loss of appetite, are also prevalent. Addressing these issues is crucial for enhancing the eating experience for the elderly. Introducing more umami flavours can significantly improve the enjoyment of food for older consumers. Additionally, the use of modified starches or food thickeners can enhance the texture of food, making it easier to chew and more suitable for individuals with Dysphagia.

In Japan, a product line named “Gentle Menu” has been developed specifically for the ageing population. Designed as a home care food alternative, it offers more appeal and friendliness compared to traditional nursing care food options. By reimagining the taste and texture of food, “Gentle Menu” aims to bring joy and satisfaction to the daily lives of older adults, thereby contributing positively to their overall healthy aging journey.

KEWPIE YASASHII KONDATE – NIKUJAGA (Gentle Menu) – Chicken dumplings and vegetable in a soy sauce and sake based sauce 120 g

Enhancing Senior Health with Nutritional Supplements 

Nutritional supplements are becoming indispensable in bolstering overall health and addressing specific health concerns, especially for the elderly. They serve as a convenient aid for caregivers and those in their charge. Effectively marketing these supplements, with a focus on their benefits for seniors and their caregivers, plays a crucial role in influencing consumer choices. Several innovative product concepts have been developed to support the vitality of older adults, including:

• High-protein products tailored for healthy aging, providing essential nutrients for senior wellness.
• Undenatured Collagen Type II, proven to enhance comfort in movement and joint health, thus supporting an active lifestyle in seniors, as validated by clinical studies.
• Fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, to bolster heart, brain, and eye health, underpinned by scientific research.
• Immune support ingredients such as Zinc and ResistAid® (arabinogalactan), designed to maintain robust health in the elderly.

These supplements have been creatively incorporated into various applications to meet diverse needs, as seen in products like “The Guardians Jelly Stick”, “Coffee Pea Milk”, and “Plant-Based Wonton Soup”. For those keen on exploring these ingredients and their incorporation into food items, our food lab team is well-equipped to provide comprehensive guidance and support. We invite you to connect with us for detailed solutions and application advice.

Pioneering Nutrition for the Ageing Population

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