Healthy ageing – Elderly’s perception of dairy products

In the process of ageing, progressive changes occur naturally in the composition of muscles, leading to a loss of muscle mass, quality, and strength. The elderly therefore need high-quality protein, but at the same time, in many cases they are eating lighter meals due to green food trends, have a small budget, and a decreased appetite. The aim of the project is to gain insight into the impact of sensory cues and cognitive barriers among Danish healthy elderly (65-75 years old) for consumption of high-protein dairy products and how it is linked to their texture preference, life quality and well-being.  

By: Anne Lau Heckmann

Dairy products contain high-quality proteins, containing essential amino acids and high leucine levels, which are the most important amino acids to optimally stimulate muscle synthesis, lean mass, and muscle strength. Despite nutritional guidelines for older people, poor nutritional status is often overlooked and can result in bad health outcomes. Different barriers might influence the intake of high-protein dairy products among healthy elderly. Some of them are related to sensory cues such as texture and mouth feeling. Others relate to individual beliefs and comprehension about their protein intake and how it impacts their health and general well-being. 

This study will include sensory panel tests, consumer acceptance tests by 60 healthy 65–75-year-olds and focus groups discussing the liking and importance of texture for food intake and well-being. The project will serve as a preparatory phase and proof of concept. The obtained information can be utilized to customize sensory attributes, such as texture and mouthfeel, aiming to overcome cognitive barriers among healthy elderly. This fundamental knowledge can help the dairy industry to design, develop, or reformulate high protein dairy products with tailored texture targeting healthy elderly. Potentially, this may contribute to an enhanced consumption of high-protein dairy products among healthy elderly that will impact their health and overall well-being positively.