Elderly Nutrition Market Size and Forecast

Elderly Nutrition Market size was valued at USD 20.92 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 33.07 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.50% from 2024 to 2031.

• Elderly nutrition refers to the nutritional requirements and recommendations for older persons, usually those aged 65 and up. It focuses on ensuring that seniors eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet to maintain their general health and well-being as they age.
• Elderly nutrition programs address these specific dietary needs through several services, including home-delivered meals, community-based meal sites, nutrition education, and counseling.
• Furthermore, these initiatives are critical to promoting healthy aging, avoiding chronic diseases, and improving older individuals’ overall quality of life. By ensuring that seniors have access to adequate nourishment, these measures assist them preserve their independence, cognitive function, and physical well-being as they age.

Global Elderly Nutrition Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the elderly nutrition market include:

Key Market Drivers

• Growing Elderly Population Worldwide: The growing global elderly population is a key driver of the elderly nutrition market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the share of the world’s population over 60 will nearly double between 2015 and 2050, from 12% to 22%. This is an estimated increase from 900 million to 2 billion people over the age of 60. This demographic shift is resulting in a higher market for specialized elderly nutrition products.
• Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases among the Elderly: Chronic diseases are increasingly widespread in older persons, necessitating the need for specialized nutrition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 85% of older persons have at least one chronic health condition, with 60% having two or more. The rising frequency of chronic diseases raises the demand for targeted nutritional solutions for the elderly.
• Increasing Awareness of the Importance of Nutrition in Healthy Aging: Nutrition is increasingly recognized as a key factor in sustaining health and independence during old age. A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society discovered that following a Mediterranean-style diet was connected with a 25% decreased risk of cognitive impairment in older persons. This type of research is influencing both consumer awareness and product development in the elderly nutrition market.

Key Challenges:

• High Cost of Specialized Elderly Nutrition Products: Specialized nutritional products and supplements designed specifically for the elderly are expensive. Many seniors are on fixed incomes or have limited financial means, thus the high cost of these customized nutrition solutions is a substantial barrier to access and acceptance. This pricing constraint impedes industry expansion, particularly in developing countries where affordability is a big challenge.
• Lack of Awareness and Education: There is a dearth of awareness and education among the elderly about the necessity of a good diet for healthy aging. Many seniors may be unaware of the precise nutritional demands that alter with age, or the availability of specialist products tailored to meet these needs. This inhibits market growth.

Key Trends:

• Rising Demand for Personalized Nutrition Solutions: As the senior population grows more health-conscious, there is a greater need for tailored nutrition products and services that address their specific dietary needs and preferences. Manufacturers are using new technology, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, to create personalized formulas and meal plans based on individual health profiles, genetic characteristics, and lifestyle needs. This trend allows for more tailored and effective nutritional interventions in older persons.
• Increased Focus on Gut and Immune Health: The elderly nutrition market is increasingly focused on items that promote gut health and immunological function. There is a growing recognition that a healthy gut microbiome and immune system play an important role in preserving general health as people age. Supplements and functional foods fortified with probiotics, prebiotics, and immune-boosting minerals are becoming increasingly popular among seniors seeking to optimize their health and longevity.
• Expansion of Convenient and Easy-to-Consume Options: Convenient and simple nutrition products are flooding the market to help with the concerns older folks have, like decreased appetite, trouble chewing, and swallowing issues. This comprises ready-to-drink shakes, dissolvable powders, and nutrient-dense snacks that give complete nutritional support without needing substantial preparation or effort from the customer.

Global Elderly Nutrition Market Regional Analysis

Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the elderly nutrition market:

North America:

• According to Market Research, North America is estimated to dominate the elderly nutrition market during the forecast period. North America, especially the United States, is experiencing a considerable rise in the elderly population. According to the United States Census Bureau, the number of Americans aged 65 and up is expected to nearly double, from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060. By 2030, all baby boomers will be beyond the age of 65, increasing the elderly population to one in every five citizens. This demographic transition is increasing the demand for specialized elderly nutrition products in the region.
• Chronic diseases are prevalent among older persons in North America and demand specific nutritional treatment. According to the National Council on Aging, over 80% of older persons have at least one chronic condition, with 68% having two or more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 25% of Americans aged 65 and older have diabetes. This high disease load increases the demand for specific dietary solutions in the elderly population.
• Furthermore, North America, particularly the United States, has a strong healthcare system and significant healthcare spending, which contributes to the growth of the elderly nutrition market. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) predict that healthcare spending in the United States will exceed $4.1 trillion in 2020, or $12,530 per person. This high spending, combined with modern healthcare facilities, allows for a greater focus on specialized nutrition for the aged, which drives market growth in the region.

Asia Pacific:

• The Asia Pacific is estimated to exhibit the highest growth within the elderly nutrition market during the forecast period. Asia Pacific’s elderly population is rapidly growing. According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the number of individuals 65 and older in the region is expected to rise from 334 million in 2016 to almost 870 million by 2050. The rising aging of the population is creating a significant market for geriatric nutrition products.
• Malnutrition is a major concern among the elderly in the Asia Pacific region. A study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition discovered that the prevalence of malnutrition among the elderly in several Asian countries ranged from 12% to 50%, depending on the context (community, hospital, or nursing home). The high incidence of malnutrition is driving the demand for specialized nutrition products for the elderly.
• Furthermore, in Asia Pacific, there is an increasing emphasis on preventive healthcare, as well as increased healthcare spending. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that health expenditure as a proportion of GDP in the Western Pacific Region (which includes much of Asia Pacific) rose from 6.4% in 2000 to 6.9% in 2018. This trend shows increased investment in health, including nutritional health, which is benefiting the elderly nutrition market.

Europe:

• Europe region is estimated to exhibit substantial growth during the forecast period. Europe has one of the world’s oldest populations, increasing demand for geriatric nutrition products. According to Eurostat, the proportion of adults 65 and older in the EU-27 is expected to rise from 20.3% in 2019 to 29.4% by 2050. This demographic shift has a substantial impact on the region’s elderly nutrition market.
• Malnutrition is a major health concern among Europe’s older citizens, necessitating the use of specialized nutrition products. According to the European Nutrition for Health Alliance, up to 50% of older adults in Europe’s hospitals and care homes are malnourished. This high prevalence highlights the need for focused nutritional interventions for the elderly.
• Furthermore, European governments are committing additional money to the elderly, including nutrition. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), health spending as a percentage of GDP in EU countries increased to 9.9% on average in 2019, up from 8.8% in 2014. This increasing healthcare cost includes investments in elderly nutrition and care.

Global Elderly Nutrition Market: Segmentation Analysis

The Elderly Nutrition Market is segmented based on Nutrition Type, Application, Distribution Channel, and Geography.

Elderly Nutrition Market, By Nutrition Type

• Protein
• Minerals
• Multi-vitamins
• Fibers
• Lipids
• Antioxidants
• Iron

Based on Nutrition Type, the market is segmented into Protein, Minerals, Multi-vitamins, Fibers, Lipids, Antioxidants, and Iron. The protein segment is estimated to dominate the elderly nutrition market. Protein is a crucial macronutrient required for basic biological activities such as muscle repair, immune system support, and hormonal regulation. As people age, the demand for protein in the geriatric nutrition market rises due to increased knowledge of its importance to general health and well-being.

Elderly Nutrition Market, By Application

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Renal Failures
• Cancer
• Sarcopenia
• Cognitive Decline
• Physical Frailty
• Others

Based on Application, the market is segmented into Obesity, Diabetes, Renal Failures, Cancer, Sarcopenia, Cognitive Decline, Physical Frailty, and Others. The obesity segment is estimated to dominate the elderly nutrition market during the forecast period due to the high frequency of unhealthy eating behaviors, physical inactivity, genetic predispositions, and environmental factors such as food access among older persons. The market for obesity-related nutrition products is predicted to continue growing due to the rising prevalence of obesity in the older population, necessitating specific nutritional solutions to effectively manage this condition.

Elderly Nutrition Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacy
• Retail Pharmacy
• Online Pharmacy

Based on the Distribution Channel, the Elderly Nutrition Market is divided into Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy, and Online Pharmacy. The hospital pharmacy segment is estimated to dominate the market over the forecast period due to seniors’ increased health requirements and reliance on professional medical advice. Hospital pharmacists are well-positioned to offer individualized advice on diet and drug interactions based on a patient’s complete clinical profile and treatment history. For fragile elderly people suffering from major illnesses, receiving supplements in hospital settings under physician supervision provides reassurance.

Elderly Nutrition Market, By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of the World

Based on Geography, the Elderly Nutrition Market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America is expected to dominate during the forecasted period. This dominance is attributed to the region’s strong presence of leading manufacturers and retailers, advanced healthcare infrastructure, increased healthcare spending, and the rising prevalence of age-related chronic conditions among the elderly, particularly the baby boomer generation.  The emphasis on innovation and the creation of specialized nutritional products targeted to the unique demands of North America’s aging population has strengthened the region’s market leadership.

Key Players

The “Elderly Nutrition Market” study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Baxter International, Inc., Allergan, Danone, Abbott Laboratories, Pfizer, Inc., Mead Johnson & Company LLC., Sanofi, Nestle, GlaxoSmithKline, Wockhardt Ltd, Fresenius Kabi AG, and Ranbaxy.

Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

Elderly Nutrition Market Recent Developments

• In November 2023, Nestlé released N3 milk with enhanced nutritional benefits, with an initial launch in China. Nestlé’s N3 collection includes two products supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to meet the changing nutritional needs of individuals as they age.
• In March 2024, Danone India launched their adult nutrition portfolio including zero-sugar Protinex in Tasty Chocolate and Vanilla Delight flavors.

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• Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market based on segmentation involving both economic as well as non-economic factors• Provision of market value (USD Billion) data for each segment and sub-segment• Indicates the region and segment that is expected to witness the fastest growth as well as to dominate the market• Analysis by geography highlighting the consumption of the product/service in the region as well as indicating the factors that are affecting the market within each region• Competitive landscape which incorporates the market ranking of the major players, along with new service/product launches, partnerships, business expansions and acquisitions in the past five years of companies profiled• Extensive company profiles comprising of company overview, company insights, product benchmarking and SWOT analysis for the major market players• The current as well as the future market outlook of the industry with respect to recent developments (which involve growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and restraints of both emerging as well as developed regions• Includes an in-depth analysis of the market of various perspectives through Porter’s five forces analysis• Provides insight into the market through Value Chain• Market dynamics scenario, along with growth opportunities of the market in the years to come• 6-month post-sales analyst support

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