Senior nutrition: Thailand's fastest-growing "health market" in the Silver Economy era.

Hello, readers. Besides the economic situation and war that we need to keep an eye on, another thing happening to us is that Thailand is entering an aging society, with the number of elderly people increasing every year. This also presents economic opportunities. "Big and clear"

Thailand is entering... "A fully aging society" Rapidly, the proportion of the population aged 60 and over increased from 17.8% (2020) to 20.8% (2024), according to national statistical indicators. This means that “one in five people” in Thailand are in an age group with significantly more specific health, nutritional, and care needs.

Meanwhile, the bigger picture on a global scale reflects that... "The senior market" It's no longer a niche market. Reports on the Silver Economy indicate that the purchasing power of the 60+ age group is enormous (figures in the tens of trillions of US dollars are cited in the report/market references). And with Thailand having a demographic structure similar to leading longevity countries like Japan and Europe, opportunities are wide open for "new" health and food businesses that cater to a high quality of life for seniors.

why "Nutrition for the Elderly" This is a Blue Ocean that financial institutions should keep an eye on.

Many people understand senior citizen nutrition to be simply "soft food" or "food for the sick." However, in the business and medical fields, senior nutrition is a "care system" that connects three major goals simultaneously:

• Bones and balance
• Brain and emotions
• Muscles and the ability to function in daily life.

In geriatric medicine, a key turning point is sarcopenia (muscle loss) and frailty, which are "risk multipliers" for falls, hospitalizations, and delayed recovery. Proper nutritional care is therefore a "prevention is better than cure" strategy that reduces long-term costs for both families and the healthcare system. Age-related or disease-related muscle loss and weakness (sarcopenia & frailty) are conditions that significantly increase healthcare costs, but are preventable. First, we need to understand these two terms.

1. How is sarcopenia (muscle mass loss) diagnosed, and what role does DEXA sacan play?

The international guidelines (EWGSOP2) prioritize "muscle strength" as the first step, confirmed by "muscle mass" and "mobility capacity." DEXA is one of the main standards for measuring body composition (lean mass/appendicular lean mass) to confirm muscle wasting. This framework directly impacts the senior food business because when "measurable," "personalized meal planning" is possible, from daily protein intake and protein distribution per meal to the selection of micronutrients related to bone and balance.

2. What is frailty in the elderly?

Frailty is a condition where the body has reduced physiologic reserves. This means that minor events like a cold or a fall can lead to hospitalization and a greater loss of daily life compared to other age groups. Nutrition and muscle mass are key to preventing frailty, especially in a society rapidly transitioning into a super-aged society in the near future.

The new approach to elderly nutrition is:

1. Protein intake "must be more," not less.

The traditional understanding that older adults should consume less protein is inconsistent with current evidence. The ESPEN (Elderly Nutrition Guidelines for Seniors) indicates that protein intake should generally be at least ≥1.0 g/kg/day, and in vulnerable, ill, or at-risk groups, 1.2-1.5 g/kg/day may be needed (and potentially higher in specific circumstances).

While emphasizing the importance of achieving target protein intake and distributing protein to support muscle mass maintenance, we can develop a senior protein product that isn't just "typical protein powder," but rather "muscle and recovery nutrition" that requires careful design of the formula, taste, texture, and safety for consumption.

2. Nutrient deficiencies common in the elderly are a silent threat that affects bones, brain, and immunity.

In older adults, there is a risk of several nutritional deficiencies due to reduced food intake, decreased absorption, and the use of multiple medications. Examples with strong supporting evidence include:

     - Vitamin B12 The risk is higher in older adults, especially those who regularly use diabetes medications and antacids, which are associated with decreased B12 absorption and an increased risk of B12 deficiency.

     - Magnesium Several drug classes can contribute to magnesium deficiency. Look for warnings on labels regarding long-term hypomagnesemia. Magnesium can also interact with certain medications, such as tetracycline/quinolones antibiotics and some bone medications.

     - Calcium/Vitamin D The DRI guidelines from academic institutions emphasize that targeting calcium and vitamin D intake for bone health is a crucial foundation, and supplementation should consider the dosage per dose and its use in conjunction with medication.

Therefore, the market model for food for the elderly can be divided into 4 groups.

1. group Active & Healthy Seniors

Seniors still work/travel and need foods that help slow down aging, maintain muscle mass, brain function, and metabolism. The global framework of Healthy Ageing also emphasizes creating an ecosystem that enables seniors to be “healthier and less dependent,” a direction that aligns with preventative food and nutrition services.

2. Elderly individuals who are at risk of chronic diseases or are beginning to experience declining health.

Individuals with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, fatty liver, or osteoporosis will require a disease-specific meal plan and follow-up subscription.

3. Vulnerable groups (Frail) Difficulty chewing and swallowing.

They need food that is "safe to swallow" but still provides complete nutrition, especially protein, such as soft high-protein food, texture-modified meals, and ready-to-eat medical nutrition.

4. Elderly individuals who are dependent and require continuous care. (Dependent/Care-based Seniors)

Living with a caregiver, in a retirement home or home care facility.

Therefore, the new opportunity for the business sector is not just about "selling food," but about investing in "clinical-backed and continuous (subscription/contract) senior nutrition systems." Because in the Silver Economy, trust and results are the most valuable assets. Let's work together to drive both business and the value of senior care, because one day you will need these services yourself.

Reference documents (Research Support)

1. National Statistical Office (Thailand). Statistical Yearbook Thailand 2025 – Proportion of population aged 60+ (2020–2024).
2. Department of Older Persons (Thailand). The Thai Older Persons (English Report) – Number/Proportion of Elderly People in Thailand.
3. Cruz-Jentoft AJ et al. EWGSOP2 Sarcopenia Consensus. Age and Aging (2019).
4. Volkert D et al. ESPEN Guideline: Clinical nutrition and hydration in geriatrics (2019) and Practical Guideline (2022).
5. OECD (archived report). The Silver Economy as a Pathway for Growth – Overview of the elderly market/purchasing power.
6. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS). Fact Sheets: Calcium, Vitamin B12, Magnesium (drug interactions/reference amounts).
7. FDA Drug Safety Communication: PPIs and Low Magnesium Levels.
8. Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) – Document analyzing the structure of an aging society and super-aged trends.

Dr. Kobkarn Chunhasawatdikun

Specialist in Preventive Medicine, with experience. For 22 years, I have worked in integrative medicine, health promotion, and lifestyle modification. As a multidisciplinary expert in alternative medicine, I collaborate with experts in various fields including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Traditional Thai Medicine, Homeopathy, massage therapy, art therapy, music therapy, sports science, and physical therapy. I am also a lecturer on food as medicine, nutrition wellness, and teach chefs how to prepare healthy meals.

Work Experience

ปัจจุบัน

• Medical Director MedPark Well-Healing (One Bangkok)

2566-2568

• Head of Wellness Business Development, Vimut Hospital Holding Co., Ltd., a preventive medicine specialist
• founder BALAVI is an integrated medical and lifestyle modification center, specializing in the care of cancer and chronic disease patients.

Training

• Training in advanced life support operations Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
• Training from Boromarajonani National Institute for Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation
• Course for Senior Executives in Public Health (NSS), Mahidol
• THON's Executive Program THG SASIN Chulalongkorn University
• Completed hospital management course CEO48, Mahidol University.
• Micro MBA, Chula Business Administration & Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, Chulalongkorn University
• Advance training course in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, China, 2006 The American Board Certified in Nutrition Wellness, (CNW), USA, 2017
• Training in Anthroposophy Training (IPMT program) course from Switzerland, 2010-2019
• Pressel Massage training, 2014
• Regenerative medicine: new approach in hormonal treatment Symposium (WOSAAM), 2016
• Advanced Nutrition for wellness, IFNW, Thailand, 2017
• Integrative Functional Nutrition/Functional Foods for Chronic Disease Module 2, USA
• Integrative Functional Nutrition/Functional Foods for Chronic Disease Module 1, USA, 2018
• Thai Traditional Therapeutic Massage and Thai Traditional Pharmacy Accredited and Certified by The Union of Thai Traditional Medicine Society, Ministry of Public Health