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Danone Indonesia holds first summit discussing healthy aging
At the later stage of the productive age, it is common for Indonesians to start facing health challenges. By 2040, Indonesia is expected to see a significant increase in the pre-senior population (45-60 years old) to 18.2 percent and in the senior population (>60 years) to 18 percent.
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t the later stage of the productive age, it is common for Indonesians to start facing health challenges. By 2040, Indonesia is expected to see a significant increase in the pre-senior population (45-60 years old) to 18.2 percent and in the senior population (>60 years) to 18 percent. While physiological changes in pre-senior and senior citizens are indeed inevitable, awareness about healthy aging needs to be raised.
Connie Ang, CEO of Danone Specialized Nutrition Indonesia, said that “the pre-senior and senior population also face both inadequate nutritional fulfillment and a lack of physical activity. This increases risks to the quality of life while, in fact, people could age healthily. With a vision to improving health through food for as many people as possible, Danone Indonesia held the ‘Healthy Aging Summit’ earlier this month to talk about multidisciplinary perspectives and approaches for healthy aging in Indonesia.
According to Nutriplanet, a study of nutrition and health mapping in Indonesia done by Danone, the challenges faced by pre-seniors and seniors are mostly related to joints, muscles, bones, mental fragility and noncommunicable diseases (from hypertension and diabetes to heart diseases and a high level of cholesterol).
These obstacles indeed have an impact not only on the elderly but also on caregivers as well as on the nation as a whole. An unhealthy pre-senior and senior population is a burden not only for the individuals and their caregivers but also the nation. On top of impacting life quality, the high number of preventable noncommunicable diseases can increase social security costs.
However, with the right awareness about ways to support healthy aging, the growing population should not be cause for concern. Healthy aging is not just about adding more years to live. The WHO’s global strategy on healthy aging focuses more on increasing the body’s functionality and capability. This is determined by intrinsic capacity (physical and mental capacity) and environmental factors (policies, social facilities, healthcare services and others), or the connection between the two.
“There are some nutrients that can support joint, muscle and bone health to support healthy aging. Our research found that macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies can impact the adult and elderly population’s mobility. Thus, consuming adequate amounts of vitamin D, calcium, antioxidants and omega 3, along with doing enough physical activities to maintain ideal weight, can have a positive impact.” Dr. dr. Ray Basrowi, MKK., Medical & Scientific Affairs Director at Danone SN Indonesia explained.
The Healthy Aging Summit was presented by Danone SN Indonesia in partnership with Ikatan Dokter Indonesia (IDI) and Alomedika. It was attended by around 2,000 healthcare professionals who were divided into four symposiums. These symposiums discussed the aging population of Indonesia, related findings and research, nutrition needed for healthy aging and physical activities needed for adults and elderly people.
On top of raising societal awareness and knowledge about health, it is also important for various sectors, including healthcare professional, society, caregivers and the private sector to collaborate. Encouraging adults and the elderly in a holistic and synergized way is vital for healthy aging.
