Diari Més has published an opinion article on healthy eating for the elderly by Guillermo Mena, R&D Director of Global Frusleva:
Healthy eating for the elderly: taking care of those who have taken care of us
In a rapidly evolving world, offering healthy products that improve the well-being of people, from the youngest to the oldest, is a priority in the field of public health. Fruselva is internationally known as a leader in infant nutrition, but our mission is to create nutritious, tasty and accessible foods for all ages, including the elderly. Our priority is to ensure that every stage of life is accompanied by a healthy diet that contributes to active longevity and a good quality of life.
The future is already here, and with it an important demographic change. In the next 10 years, the over-65 population in Catalonia will grow by 24.4%, a change that affects all of Spain and Europe and represents a social and economic paradigm shift. This new market is known as the Silver Economy. For Fruselva, this change is an opportunity to innovate and offer solutions adapted to the needs of this segment.
The concept of active longevity refers to the ability of people to grow older while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, high quality of life and active participation in society. As we age, nutritional needs and abilities change, and a healthy diet is essential to maintain an active and independent life. Thus, proteins are essential, as they help to maintain muscle mass, the immune system and general health.
Food innovation: Fruselva’s new line of products for the elderly
Older people often find it difficult to consume certain foods, such as fish, meat or fish, and their bodies lose the ability to assimilate nutrients such as iron or calcium. This makes it necessary to offer practical nutritional alternatives, adapted to their needs, to maintain a balanced diet. At Fruselva, our R+D+I department is constantly working to create products that meet the needs of the elderly, with a focus on nutrition and ease of use. Our products are not only rich in protein and vitamins, but they are also designed with smooth and easy-to-digest textures, adapted to the preferences of older children. The variety of flavors is essential to maintain the interest of our customers, and our solutions seek to promote a balanced and sustainable diet.
These products also take into account the social and emotional aspect of food. For many older people, eating is an opportunity to socialize with the family, which is why it is essential that food is not only a physiological need, but an important part of emotional well-being. Thanks to our experience, Fruselva has received funding from the European Union-NextGenerationEU to develop the SENVAFUN project, aimed at creating healthy and sustainable foods for the senior population.
A new opportunity for the wellbeing of the elderly
As we move forward, our goal is to promote a healthy, balanced diet adapted to each stage of life. In addition to creating innovative products, we want to educate and raise awareness about the importance of food in health and active involvement. Our commitment is to design products that meet the specific nutritional needs of older people, with a focus on active longevity and the prevention of chronic diseases.
Demographic change is not only a challenge, but a great opportunity to rethink our approach to health and nutrition. As the population over the age of 65 continues to grow, we need to ensure that food products are adequate and accessible, providing the necessary tools to maintain an active, healthy and fulfilling life. At Fruselva, we are committed to this cause, offering innovative products that improve the quality of life of our seniors.