Positive Aging: Science-Backed Ingredients for Vitality

Aging gracefully and maintaining vitality are top priorities for many people, and the demand for innovative supplements that support healthy aging is on the rise. As we delve into the world of health and wellness, it's clear that consumers are seeking solutions that enable them to continue enjoying life's experiences well into their later years. In this blog, we'll explore the growing trend of supplements designed to promote longevity and well-being, and how these products are transforming the way we approach aging.

At Kemin Human Nutrition and Health, we believe that aging is not only inevitable but can be a positive journey. By supporting healthy aging with the right nutritional ingredients, we aim to enhance both the quality and enjoyment of life for older adults.

The Aging Landscape: Addressing a Changing World

The demographics of aging are shifting, all over the world people are living much longer now than ever before. Global life expectancy has increased by more than 6 years, from 66.8 to 73.1 years.40 Today, nearly 95% of older adults are managing at least one chronic condition that can affect their quality of life.1 Additionally, there are more women than men as the population ages. By the time individuals reach 85 and older, there are 178 women for every 100 men, indicating a strong link between aging and women’s health.2

This demographic change means that nutrition demands will need to evolve as more people continue to remain in the workforce beyond the age of 65.3 The concept of positive aging is about more than just living longer—it's about living well, and that starts with nutrition. Beginning positive aging nutrition early in life will be essential for public health and maintaining wellness later in life.

Is Aging Positive? Yes, Mostly.

Despite common misconceptions, aging comes with many positives. As individuals age, they gain wisdom, knowledge, and perspective. Compared with younger years, aging brings numerous benefits, such as:

• Financial Stability: Many people reach their peak earning years as they age, and their financial situation often improves as a result.
• Emotional Well-being: With age comes emotional intelligence, a deeper understanding of oneself and others, and improved relationships. Managing emotions and seeing conflicts from multiple perspectives becomes easier, leading to greater contentment.
• Social Connections: While social circles may evolve, aging can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships that provide essential support in later years.
• Self-Confidence: Life experience brings a sense of self-assuredness. Older individuals often feel more confident in pursuing their passions and goals without the same level of concern for external judgment.

However, to fully enjoy these benefits, health must be maintained—particularly health resilience. Health resilience refers to the ability to adapt to changes, cope with life's challenges, or to bounce back from stressors.4 Ensuring proper nutrition is critical to embrace the best aspects of life as one ages.

Key Areas of Focus for Healthy Aging

When considering healthy aging, several key areas stand out as critical for maintaining a high quality of life:

1. Eye and Brain Health5-6 Eye and brain health are crucial for preserving independence, emotional well-being, and social interactions. These functions underpin everyday activities like reading, driving, focusing, and reasoning. Addressing age-related conditions and cognitive decline is essential for supporting continued engagement in life's experiences.
2. Digestive Health7 The gastrointestinal system does much more than simply digest food and absorb nutrients. It serves as a protective barrier, much like a gatekeeper, regulating what enters the body. Over time, lifestyle and dietary choices can affect this barrier, increasing the risk of digestive issues. The health of the gut, including its lining, immune cells, and microbiome, significantly impacts overall health and the aging process.
3. Gut-Immune Interaction8 Aging affects both the gut and immune system, leading to a weakened gut barrier that allows harmful substances to penetrate and cause inflammation. Concurrently, the immune system becomes less responsive (a process known as "immunosenescence"), leading to increased inflammation ("inflammaging") and heightened vulnerability to pathogens. These changes can have widespread effects on health.
4. Sleep Quality9 Quality sleep is vital for physical and mental well-being. As we age, poor sleep can exacerbate irritability, anxiety, and stress, affecting relationships and overall quality of life. Ensuring good sleep hygiene is essential for mental sharpness, emotional balance, and enjoying life fully.
5. Weight Management10 Managing weight becomes increasingly challenging with age due to a slowing metabolism, hormonal changes, decreased muscle mass, and reduced activity levels. Weight gain can affect self-esteem, increase the risk of health issues, and limit mobility. Addressing weight management through balanced nutrition and activity is crucial for maintaining health and vitality.

By focusing on these areas, supplement manufacturers can develop targeted solutions to support healthy aging and enhance the quality of life for older adults.

Proof in Action: Why Kemin’s Ingredients?

At Kemin, our commitment to quality, research, and sustainability makes us a trusted partner to provide inspired ingredients for todays and tomorrow’s consumer concerns. The science behind our ingredients provides reassurance on their effectiveness  in supporting positive aging:

• FloraGLO® Lutein, the brand leading lutein research, clinically shown support health resilience in the eye and brain for age-related conditions and cognitive impairment, essential for an empowered positive aging.11
• Neumentix™ carefully designed spearmint extract that supports memory, focus and mental clarity, helping support sharp thinking and overall mental performance.12-14  
• BetaVia™ boosts immune health by nourishing the body’s natural defenses15, a critical need for regaining vitality and well-being .
• DailyZz™ optimized polyphenol blend to improve sleep quality and mental sharpness16, increasingly vital with age.
• ButiShield™ provides nutrition and support for the optimal structure and functioning of fundamental processes in our bodies across all ages with science-based benefits for intestinal, digestive and metabolic health.17-31  
• Slendesta® is a natural and safe choice to control appetite and manage weight. It helps you feel full sooner and for longer, making it easier to manage weight effectively.32-39

By choosing Kemin’s science-backed ingredients, supplement manufacturers can create products that address the unique health challenges of aging consumers. Our clinically researched ingredients ensure that older adults can continue to enjoy the fruits of their years of labor—health, wisdom, emotional well-being, and social connections.

The Importance of Positive Aging Nutrition

Aging is a journey that starts early in life, and it is essential to prioritize nutrition at every stage. The right supplements can help individuals maintain their independence, emotional well-being, and ability to contribute to society. As more people remain in the workforce and live longer, healthy aging nutrition will continue to play a vital role in overall public health.

Contact Kemin Human Nutrition and Health today to learn more about our healthy aging ingredient portfolio and how we can support your product development goals.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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References Kemin PTP-13997