Companies and care homes in Japan are finding new ways to feed the country's elderly population well.
TOKYO: The Japanese government estimates that by 2060, 1 in 4 of its citizens will be over 75. So it is no surprise to learn that food tailored specifically for the elderly is a fast growing market in Japan.
At the Minami Oi Care Centre, three types of meals are served up for its elderly residents: Regular meals; dishes that retain their original form but are softened; and meals with a jelly-like texture.
Meals are thus prepared with care to ensure they are at the right texture to make it more digestible to some of the residents. When salted mackerel is served, some portions need to be mashed up and reshaped.
The process begins by adding the fish into a mixer with some broth. The mixture is then moulded into shape, put into the refrigerator to set, then seared just before serving, to make the mashed-up fish look like it has been grilled. This meal is for those who have difficulty swallowing food. A problem many elderly experience.
“Meals that have been blended in a mixer is common in Japan; but you don’t know what you’re eating,” said Sachiko Inoue, chief nutritionist at Minami Oi Care Centre. “And many don’t finish their meals, because they do not look delicious. I wanted customers to know what they are being served and that the meals looked and tasted delicious.”
Residents at the care centre enjoyed the variety of meals on offer. “I don’t have any teeth,” said a 92-year-old woman. “Everything is soft and delicious.” For the kitchen staff, fixing a meal that looks mouth-watering, yet one that is nutritious and satisfying, is no easy task.
“This is an elderly home - so keeping to the standard for the texture and the size is what makes the task difficult,” said chef Kunio Yamada.
The silver segment of Japan’s food industry is increasing by double digits. In 2011, it was estimated to be worth US$835 million. Today, its potential value, on the back of a fast-ageing society in Japan, is believed to be about US$23 billion.
A manufacturer, which already supplies the Minami Oi Centre, is capitalising on this potential. “We plan to build a new factory next year and focus on food products for those with dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) - which indicates how much we expect this industry to expand,” said Shouku Yokoyama of Nutri NOTE. “I think we will spend about 1.5 billion yen (US$12.5 million).
Many other food manufacturers are taking this same path. One product being put out by several manufacturers is a type of powder that can be mixed into liquid to form a jelly-like substance. This prevents the liquid from going down the wrong way.
The trend for customised food products for the elderly is set to grow, especially now, with Japan's government calling for them to be looked after at home, rather than in facilities.
Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/nutritious-delicious-and/1840940.html
At the Minami Oi Care Centre, three types of meals are served up for its elderly residents: Regular meals; dishes that retain their original form but are softened; and meals with a jelly-like texture.
Meals are thus prepared with care to ensure they are at the right texture to make it more digestible to some of the residents. When salted mackerel is served, some portions need to be mashed up and reshaped.
The process begins by adding the fish into a mixer with some broth. The mixture is then moulded into shape, put into the refrigerator to set, then seared just before serving, to make the mashed-up fish look like it has been grilled. This meal is for those who have difficulty swallowing food. A problem many elderly experience.
“Meals that have been blended in a mixer is common in Japan; but you don’t know what you’re eating,” said Sachiko Inoue, chief nutritionist at Minami Oi Care Centre. “And many don’t finish their meals, because they do not look delicious. I wanted customers to know what they are being served and that the meals looked and tasted delicious.”
Residents at the care centre enjoyed the variety of meals on offer. “I don’t have any teeth,” said a 92-year-old woman. “Everything is soft and delicious.” For the kitchen staff, fixing a meal that looks mouth-watering, yet one that is nutritious and satisfying, is no easy task.
“This is an elderly home - so keeping to the standard for the texture and the size is what makes the task difficult,” said chef Kunio Yamada.
The silver segment of Japan’s food industry is increasing by double digits. In 2011, it was estimated to be worth US$835 million. Today, its potential value, on the back of a fast-ageing society in Japan, is believed to be about US$23 billion.
A manufacturer, which already supplies the Minami Oi Centre, is capitalising on this potential. “We plan to build a new factory next year and focus on food products for those with dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) - which indicates how much we expect this industry to expand,” said Shouku Yokoyama of Nutri NOTE. “I think we will spend about 1.5 billion yen (US$12.5 million).
Many other food manufacturers are taking this same path. One product being put out by several manufacturers is a type of powder that can be mixed into liquid to form a jelly-like substance. This prevents the liquid from going down the wrong way.
The trend for customised food products for the elderly is set to grow, especially now, with Japan's government calling for them to be looked after at home, rather than in facilities.
Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/nutritious-delicious-and/1840940.html
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