Elderly Rate Muscle Strength, Mobility Top Concerns, Fonterra Says

Up to 53% of aging consumers rated mobility, muscle strength, and the ability to stay active as more impactful to their physical health-even more so than cardiovascular health-according to a 2011 survey conducted by dairy ingredients supplier Fonterra (Auckland, New Zealand). The results will be presented publicly for the first time as part of an “Actively Aging” session at the 2012 Healthy Ageing Conference taking place in November in Frankfurt.

Fonterra conducted its survey in 2011 across six countries, interviewing more than 3,700 adults between the ages of 50-75 years. Those surveyed said that the top-three health changes they noticed in the past five years were decline in suppleness, stamina, and physical strength.

Healthy agers also indicated interest in making changes to maintain active lifestyles; 77% indicated they made changes to their diet, while 57% included more physical activity.

“These findings show us that most of the assumptions around the needs of aging consumers are out of date,” says Brain Watson, general manager, Mobility Nutrition Platform, Fonterra. “It’s clear that we’re no longer dealing with people who are ready to wind down and watch the world go by. They want to live full and active lives, and are willing to make changes that will help them achieve this.”

Regionally, surveys revealed slight differences in health areas of interest. For instance, in the U.S., the ability to stay active was ranked highest for perceived health, while in Japan, interest was on bone health.