SENIOR NUTRITION: A MARKET AT THE HEART OF HEALTHY AGEING
From preventing malnutrition and maintaining muscle mass to developing functional foods and innovative products, the expectations of consumers aged 60 and over are reshaping the market.
Ahead of SIAL Paris 2026, discover the key food trends shaping senior nutrition, a strategic market driven by the ageing of the global population.
Senior nutrition and the ageing population
Nutrition is becoming an increasingly important issue as populations continue to age. From a nutritional perspective, the concept of "senior" is linked to changes in body composition and immune system, which increase vulnerability to disease and frailty. A healthy diet and healthy food are the main focus for seniors.
Ageing population trends in France
With life expectancy continuing to rise, populations around the world are ageing. In 2023, France was home to approximately 30,000 centenarians—almost 30 times more than in 1970
. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030, one in six people worldwide will be aged 60 or over. By 2050, people aged 60 and above are expected to account for 35% of the European Union's population, compared with 20% in 1990.
Although ageing is a natural process, it increases the risk of developing chronic diseases and often leads to reduced physical and cognitive abilities. Conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, vision disorders and declining respiratory or kidney function become more common, often resulting in greater frailty and loss of independence in everyday activities.
Shopping for groceries and preparing meals become increasingly difficult with age: these activities are challenging for 26% of people over 60 and for half of those aged over 75.
What defines a senior in nutrition?
There is no universally accepted age at which someone officially becomes a "senior." Definitions vary depending on the context and purpose.
The recommendations issued by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) apply to post-menopausal women (typically from around age 51) and men over 65. Meanwhile, the French High Council for Public Health (HCSP) focuses its recommendations on people aged 75 and over, as well as post-menopausal women.
From a nutrition perspective, senior status is generally associated with changes in body composition, particularly the gradual increase in body fat accompanied by the loss of muscle and bone mass—a process that often becomes more pronounced from the age of 75.
Consumer demand driven by healthy ageing trends
Compared with the average adult, older adults have evolving dietary requirements. The silver economy food trends and market are evolving in that way because of seniors’ nutritional needs, that primarily aim to prevent or manage age-related health conditions such as malnutrition, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, cognitive decline, and vision disorders.
A balanced diet for older adults; key nutrients for healthy ageing
Daily energy requirements change with age. Although older adults require similar nutrients to younger adults, they generally need a higher protein intake because their body's protein reserves decline over time.
From the age of 70, the recommended balance of macronutrients is as follows:
Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and supporting healthy ageing.
Recommended intakes are slightly higher than for younger adults:
- Post-menopausal women under 65: 0.83 g/kg/day, equivalent to approximately 47.3 g per day for women aged 51–59 and 47.9 g per day for those aged 60–65.
- Men and women over 65: 1 g/kg/day, equivalent to approximately 65.1 g per day for men and 55.6 g per day for women.
Healthy fats, particularly Omega-3 fatty acids, play an essential role in overall health.
Foods naturally rich in Omega-3 include fish, avocados, vegetable oils, and nuts.
Carbohydrates provide energy and should be consumed as part of a balanced diet for older adults, with an emphasis on moderation and quality sources.
Senior nutrition for age-related health conditions
Malnutrition prevention in elderly
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Sarcopenia
Osteoporosis
Diabetes
Cognitive health and memory
Eye health
Nutrition beyond nutrients
Beyond strictly nutritional and physiological needs, the following recommendations can help older adults maintain their wellbeing and quality of life.
Dietary recommendations for older adults beyond basic nutrition
- Staying hydrated: Dehydration can lead to dizziness, fainting, and low blood pressure. It is therefore essential to drink enough water, even when you do not feel thirsty, as the sensation of thirst naturally decreases with age. However, excessive water intake should also be avoided, as it may cause electrolyte imbalances or water retention. Adults aged 65 and over should aim to drink around 1.7 litres of water per day.
- Chewing and swallowing difficulties: People experiencing chewing or swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) should choose foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as mashed foods, soups or finely chopped meals.
- Changes in taste and smell: Loss of taste and smell can reduce the pleasure of eating. Using herbs and spices is an effective way to enhance flavours. Salt does not need to be eliminated unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional.
- Loss of appetite: Reduced appetite is common among older adults. Eating several smaller meals throughout the day instead of three large meals can improve digestion while ensuring adequate nutrient intake. Varying dishes and flavours also help prevent food fatigue and stimulates appetite.
- Eat without distractions: Taking the time to focus on meals and eat mindfully can improve digestion, promote better nutrient absorption, and reduce digestive discomfort.
- Overnight fasting: Try not to fast for more than 12 hours between dinner and breakfast. If necessary, have a light snack to maintain adequate energy and nutrient intake.
- Physical activity: Even light physical activity, such as walking, plays an important role in maintaining health and independence. Many organisations also offer adapted physical activity (APA) programmes specifically designed to encourage older adults to stay active according to their physical abilities.
Senior nutrition services and prevention initiatives
Prevention programmes for older adults and caregivers
Several organisations promote healthy ageing through nutrition education and prevention initiatives.
Les INSATIABLES (formerly Silver Fourchette) is one example. The organisation provides health and nutrition advice for older adults and family caregivers, while also organising educational cooking workshops that encourage healthy eating habits.
Texture-modified foods for older adults
People with chewing or swallowing difficulties can still enjoy tasty and balanced meals thanks to texture-modified foods.
For example, Nutrisens offers smooth puréed meals (classified as IDDSI Level 4 under the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) as well as finely chopped meals designed for people with dysphagia.
Home meal delivery services
Consumer expectations and health claims in the senior nutrition market
Older consumers are looking for specific features when purchasing food products, including suitable textures, convenience, easy-to-read labels, and short ingredient lists. These expectations are driving food innovation for seniors across the food industry.
Consumer expectations
According to Nielsen, consumers aged 65 and over tend to favour:
- Organic, locally sourced and fresh foods (including products from butcher's counters, cheese counters and fishmongers);
- Traditional cuisine and familiar flavours;
- "Free-from" or "reduced" products (lower in fat, cholesterol, salt, sugar or gluten). Whether for medical reasons or to improve digestive comfort, many older adults choose specific diets, including gluten-free or lactose-free options.
When shopping in supermarkets, French seniors also look for:
- Easy-to-read packaging: around 30% of people aged over 75 experience visual impairment;
- Clear nutritional information: transparent nutrition labelling and short ingredient lists with few, or no additives inspire greater consumer confidence, particularly among older shoppers;
- Easy-to-open packaging: practical packaging is essential for consumers with reduced hand strength or dexterity;
- Products adapted to specific dietary needs: for example, foods that support digestive health or products containing plant-based proteins as an alternative to meat;
- Smaller portion sizes: appetite often decreases with age, and 46% of households headed by people aged over 65 consist of a single person, making food preservation and waste reduction important purchasing criteria.
Health claims
Health claims for seniors' food products are statements displayed on food packaging that highlight the beneficial nutritional properties of a product.
They may refer to reducing a risk factor, such as supporting heart health, or to maintaining normal bodily functions. However, they are strictly regulated.
For example, manufacturers cannot make therapeutic claims suggesting that a nutrient prevents, treats or cures a disease. A claim such as "Calcium prevents osteoporosis" would therefore not be permitted.
As a result, products cannot promise to treat or eliminate the health conditions commonly associated with ageing.
Instead, manufacturers may use authorised claims that apply to the general population, such as "supports heart health" or "cardio" on margarines containing Omega-3 fatty acids, without specifically targeting older consumers.
Product examples for older adults
Liquid nutritional supplements
- AUCHAN SENIOR, Spain – Fish and vegetable purée for older adults, high in protein, low in salt and free from additives.
- NESTLÉ RENUTRYL ÉNERGIE+, France – High-protein drink mix designed for older adults, providing 9 g of protein per serving.
Auchan senior
Nestle Renutryl Energie +Omega-3 for cognitive health
- ÉMILE NOËL ÉVOLUTION, France – Vegetable oil blend providing 100% of the daily requirements for Omega-3, Omega-6 and vitamin E. Developed for adults aged 50 and over.
- ARAI SHOJI, Japan – Functional gummies formulated with Ginkgo biloba, DHA and vitamin B1 to help support memory and cognitive function.
Emile Noel Evolution
Arai ShojiCalcium and vitamin D for bone health
- BAIDI, China – Milk enriched with calcium for older adults and middle-aged consumers.
- HONEKIN PLUS, Japan – High-protein, calcium-rich tea designed to help maintain muscle mass and bone health.
Baidi
Honekin PlusSoft-texture foods for older adults
- TG LITE, Malaysia – Soft-texture vegetable noodles specially developed for people with chewing difficulties.
- PULMUONE FULL CARE, South Korea – A balanced ready meal with a soft texture, designed to be easy to chew for older adults.
TG LITE
Pulmuone Full CareFAQ - Everything there is to know about senior nutrition
