Study on Comparisons between China and South Korea in Elderly Food

Abstract

Aging is a reality in today's society and an unprecedented challenge in human development. With a decrease in physiological functioning, the elderly develope disorders in various processes associated with have the disorder of eating function, especially chewing and swallowing. Improper food intake can cause choking, aspiration pneumonia and poor nutrition intake, leading to life-threatening conditions. The market for food for the elderly in China has a great potential for development, but the existing market cannot meet the surging demand of the aging population. This study investigated the current elderly food market in China, and compared the patterns of diet and international laws and regulations, in China and South Korea which have similar customs and traditions, to put forward recommendations for the food industry catering to the elderly in China.