The nutritional needs of the aging population and opportunities in the field of silver economy were discussed with the participation of representatives from academia, industry and the public sector, and a comprehensive assessment was made with scientific and political dimensions.
Hosted by TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center (MAM) and Turkey Food Innovation Platform (TÜGİP), the "Nutritional Needs of the Aging Population and Silver Economy Opportunities" panel, which addressed the themes of aging, nutrition and silver economy from multiple perspectives, was held at TÜGİP Conference Hall. Delivering the opening speech of the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özgen Ercan, Vice President of TÜBİTAK MAM Climate and Life Sciences, stated that the aging society structure necessitates rethinking not only health systems, but also food systems, product development processes and eating habits. Ercan made the following statements in his speech: Today, we have come together to discuss an important topic that focuses on the needs of our increasingly aging society: the adaptation of food systems to aging. Adequate and balanced nutrition of older individuals enables them to lead a healthier and more active life. An active elderly population not only reduces the burden on the healthcare system, but also allows them to continue to create value for the national economy. Therefore, this issue is of strategic importance in both its social and economic dimensions. As TÜBİTAK MAM, we attach great importance to pioneering in this field, especially through TÜGİP. We see it as our duty to bring industry and academia, public and entrepreneurs together, to bring the food needs of the future to the agenda today and to pioneer innovative solutions." Within the scope of the other opening speeches of the panel, TÜBİTAK MAM Food Technologies Research Group Leader and TÜGİP Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Sani Özdemir explained how food innovation can contribute to the aging society structure, while Prof. Dr. Zümrüt Begüm Ögel, Deputy Chairperson of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey Agriculture and Food Policies Board and METU Faculty Member, drew attention to the importance of elderly-friendly agriculture and food policies. Dr. Yasin Akar, Director General of Disability and Elderly Services of the Ministry of Family and Social Services, shared social service practices to improve the quality of life of elderly individuals. After the opening speeches, the participants toured the pilot food production lines and advanced technology laboratories within the TÜBİTAK MAM Food Institute and received information about the work carried out at the center. In the afternoon sessions, nutrition in the elderly was discussed from scientific, clinical and sectoral perspectives. Prof. Dr. Pınar Soysal from Bezmiâlem Vakıf University drew attention to common nutritional problems in old age in her presentation titled "Nutrition in the Geriatric Patient", while Prof. Dr. Halit Tanju Besler from Istanbul Aydın University evaluated the changing nutritional needs with aging. Nihal Odabaş Aksoy, Danone Category Training Manager, participated in the event as a private sector representative and shared the product development processes for the elderly and the sector's perspective with the participants. In the closing session of the event, Gaziosmanpaşa University Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Necati Çoban evaluated the socioeconomic effects of the aging population and new areas of opportunity in the food sector with his presentation titled "Global Aging and Silver Economy". The panel ended after the exchange of views and evaluation session. The event provided an important awareness and cooperation platform for the development of healthy nutrition strategies for the aging population and the adaptation of food systems to this transformation.
