Demands for Development of Taurine-Containing Home Meal Replacement for Prevention of Dementia According to Age

Abstract

It has been reported that taurine intake in the past may have a positive effect on present cognitive function in the elderly. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the need to develop an elderly-friendly home meal replacement (EF-HMR) containing taurine for the prevention of dementia in Korean adults aged 40–84 years. Study subjects included 481 adults 40–49 years group, 319 adults 50–64 years group, and 181 elderly group (65–84 years old) residing in Seoul and its metropolitan area, Korea. Data were collected from adults aged 40–64 years by self-administered questionnaires and from elderly through face-to-face interviews. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0. The level of need for EF-HMR was significantly higher in 40–49 years and 50–64 years groups compared to the elderly group (p < 0.001). With regard to the preferred EF-HMR taste, the needs for less salty (p < 0.01) and less sweet (p < 0.001) foods were significantly higher in 40–49 years group compared to the elderly group. The main factors of consideration in the development of EF-HMR were nutrition, taste, and freshness. The level of need for EF-HMR containing taurine was significantly lower in those 40–49 years and 50–64 years groups compared to the elderly group (p < 0.01). If an EF-HMR containing taurine for prevention of dementia was developed, willingness to buy such a food was significantly higher in the elderly group than in those 40–49 years and 50–64 years groups (p < 0.01). Regarding cooked EF-HMR containing taurine, semi-prepared and ready-made meals were preferred in 71.1% and 25.4% in 40–49 years group, 69.6% and 22.6% in 50–64 years group, and 47.0% and 33.7% in the elderly group, respectively (p < 0.001). EF-HMR containing taurine sales unit sizes containing 3 servings or 1 serving was preferred by 37.2% and 26.3% of all subjects. The preferred places to purchase EF-HMR (in descending order of super-supermarket (mart), supermarket, and convenience store) were the same among the age groups. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the diversity present in the needs and purchasing characteristics of adults involved purchasing EF-HMR containing taurine, and there is a need to develop age-specific customized products for the elderly and for Korean adults 40–64 years old.