Nutrition Supplements for Aging Americans

While America has given birth to the songdoes not have that same luxury to try, and
“Young at Heart”, and the phrasepossibly err, when it comes to making nutritional
“you’re as young as you feel!” can bechoices. His or her choices must be wise and
heard from coast to coast by millions of people,relevant from the start, particularly since older
demographic trend point firmly toward the otherpeople tend to suffer from diminished appetite,
direction: aging.and often have poorer access to balanced
Currently, the 65+ population comprises slightlynutrition than their younger counterparts.
more than 12% (35 million) of the total USThis is a serious problem that the nutritional
population. By 2030, this percentage is predictedsector must accept and take ownership of. This
to almost double to just below 20% (71 million)[i].means that more than simple awareness is
In other words, within a generation, anneeded actual tangible solutions are required. The
unprecedented demographic reality will exist in thebasic fact is that senior citizens — like all
US: 1 in 5 Americans will be older than 65.other age groups — require balanced
This is indeed news worth celebrating, because itnutrition, and for many of them, the best and
means that more Americans are living longer,most convenient way to access it is through
healthier lives than ever before. Yet this trendnutritional supplements.
also presents some very real health-relatedThis much-delayed awareness does seem,
problems that American society must solve.however, to be abating. There are currently
Various sectors are frenetically trying to positioninnovative companies that are creating nutritional
themselves to deal with this aging demographicsupplements suitable for all ages, regardless of
inevitability. The dental care field is loudly lobbyingphysical activity. This suitability is the result of a
to increase awareness and resource-support forcarefully balanced protein blend that captures all
age-related ailments such as defective dentureessential amino acids. Since many seniors continue
and reduced saliva-flow conditions[ii]. At the sameto lose nitrogen and thus protein as they age, it is
time, the allied health care field is similarly tryingincredibly important that seniors access ways to
— and admittedly struggling -- to developcompensate for this gradual loss.
the immense resources, such as many moreThese low-calorie, carbohydrate-free, fat-free
doctors and nurses, who will somehow absorb thenutritional supplements also help seniors avoid
imminent and overwhelming old age-relatedadding unwanted body fat that would weaken
demand for surgical procedures and other healthmuscle mass and destabilize body strength and
care commodities[iii].energy levels. Furthermore, the ideal product
Yet while the dental and health sectors strive towould be available in liquid form, allowing seniors
adjust to this demographic trend, the nutritionalwith dentures or other tooth concerns to easily
sector has not kept pace. A quick look at anyingest a serving without anxiety.
health food store shelf will see energy bars andThe fact that America’s population is aging
powders that are (according to their marketingis just that: a fact. It is not an opinion, an
images) suitable only for high-performance (e.g.educated guess, or a possible expectation. It will
young) consumers. Similarly, the nutrition sectorhappen, and it is essential that America’s
has not done a good job at destroying the mythseniors be provided with the solutions that they
that macronutrients such as protein are essentialneed in order to continue living full, happy lives.
parts of all healthy diets — regardless ofThe dental and health care fields are already hard
age.at work positioning themselves, as best that they
The nutrition sector’s general neglect ofcan right now, to absorb this unprecedented
the senior community is something that is justdemographic change. Thanks to a very small
barely beginning to show as the population ages,— but hopefully growing number —
and as the “baby boomer” generation of 76of senior-friendly supplements, there is finally a
million strong moves towards retirement[iv].reason to add the nutrition field to this list as well.
However, it is inevitable that this service gap willAbout Protica
become larger as the future unfolds. Essentially,Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional
tens of millions of seniors are going to need toresearch firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and
find new and innovative nutrition solutions possiblyConshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures
for the first time in their lives.capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact,
The prospects that face a 65-year-old searchinghypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage
for a nutrition solution are in some ways muchcontaining zero carbohydrates and zero fat.
the same as those facing a 25-year-old: there areInformation on Protica is available at
an array of promised solutions on the market,You can also learn about Profect at
including energy bars, drinks, and supplements.References
However, this is where the similarities between[i] Source: “Public Health an Aging: Trends in
the average 65-year-old and 25-year-old endAging — United States and Worldwide”.
because while the latter may be able to get awayCenter for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
with experimenting, the former cannot. In other[ii] Source: “Caring for America’s Aging
words, a 25-year-old consumer may add energySmiles”. Healthfinder.
bars to their eating regimen and realize in a few[iii] Source: “Aging Population Creating Higher
months that they’re really eating glorified,Demand for Surgery”. ANNews.
calorie-rich candy bars. A 65-year-old consumer