Sensory studies of an energy dense drink for elderly people

Abstract: The average length of life is increasing in the western world, hence the older population is growing. A common health problem among the elderly is malnutrition. Malnutrition causes decreased body strength and is associated with an amplified risk of infections, depression, fractures and increased mortality. The health care system is therefore faced with the challenge to prevent malnutrition among the growing population of elderly. This could be done by providing nutritious foods developed to meet the specific needs of elderly. The overall objective of this project was to test a healthy energy dense drink based on oats targeted for the elderly consumers as a strategy to prevent malnutrition among elderly. The aim was further to test the energy dense drink on young active people, for comparison. The consumers’ attitude was investigated through a sensory consumer field test and the opinions of the personnel in the health care system were assessed through semistructured interviews and a test market. The young preferred the Raspberry/ blueberry product (52%) and the elderly favoured the Strawberry product (51%). The majority of the elderly could consume the product daily (61%) and thought that the new energy dense drink was needed on the market (68%). The personnel thought that the product was a good contribution to the market, but that it would benefit from a better package design and a less viscous texture. In conclusion, the energy dense drink was appreciated both by the elderly and the young consumers as well as by the personnel.