The market for foods for the elderly is set to grow with an ageing population in the Western World. How will this affect the food and drinks industry? An understanding of the changing needs, which accompany ageing, is indispensable for product developers and food marketers to innovate and to gain marketshare in this expanding segment. And the launch of novel products should be accompanied by a careful marketing strategy to address the psychological needs of this difficult but rewarding consumer group. The two-day conference Foods for the healthy Elderly - Fit for Growth has provided perspectives to the food and drink industry on the development and marketing of products that are both nutritionally tailored and appealing to the older people. Discussing the latest science-based and market developments regarding foods for the healthy elderly, this conference has set the scene for the near future. The conference focused on research and perspectives to promote healthy ageing -rather than simply treating the diseases of old age - and on industry's perspectives for designing new food and drinks. Conference topics included food and drink perspectives in relation to: skeletal health the immune system the colon and its microflora vision and cognitive functioning the metabolic syndrome dietary energy intake sensory issues quality of life The peer-reviewed papers of Foods for the healthy Elderly - Fit for Growth will be compiled in a book to be published by Wageningen Academic Publishers.

 

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