Jakarta, 20 March 2023 - Humans experience a period of growth and development throughout their lives. Starting from childhood to old age (elderly). Elderly  is a phase of life that has its own uniqueness, with needs and lifestyles that are not always the same as other age groups.

Old age or elderly is defined in Law No. 13 of 1998, as the period when a person enters the age of 60 years. Globally, the elderly population has increased in number, including in Indonesia, where the National Socioeconomic Survey (Susenas) from the Central Statistics Agency recorded an elderly population of 10.48% in March 2022.

Entering old age, naturally the body will experience aging which is marked by changes in physical form and body functions that begin to decline. In addition, there are also several problems that must be observed, especially in nutritional intake. As we get older, the regeneration of taste receptor cells tends to slow down which results in a somewhat decreased ability to taste, resulting in a decrease in the appetite of the elderly. In fact, increasing appetite is one of the ways to help fulfill good nutrition, which will lead to an improvement in the physical condition and quality of life of the elderly. The bad, because of the lack of sensitivity to the sense of taste – salt tends to be added to food. Even though salt is a component that needs to be limited, especially for those who are elderly.

"Concerning the importance of a low-salt diet, especially for the elderly, we have a Salt Wise program which we are currently working on. Salt Wise is a way to reduce salt consumption but maintain a delicious taste. We have conducted studies on the Wise Salt program at two nursing homes in Yogyakarta, in collaboration with Gadjah Mada University. The results of this study showed very positive results, namely a decrease in systolic and diastolic numbers on the target, and improvements in other parameters such as grip strength and HbA1C. This event is the right time to educate the importance of dietary salt for public health, especially for the elderly," said Grant Senjaya - Head of Public Relations Department of PT AJINOMOTO INDONESIA.

This is the first time PT AJINOMOTO INDONESIA (Ajinomoto) has joined and supported the Indonesia International Senior Health and Wellness Exhibition - Senior Expo 2023. “The SENIOR EXPO is held to support the improvement of the quality of life of the elderly population, from various aspects, including health, independence, as well as various activities that can be occupied or carried out by the elderly. The focus of the SENIOR EXPO also focuses on a preventive approach, how the various products and services presented at this activity can help us all prepare for the elderly and the elderly to live a quality life.” said Teddy Halim, director of PT Media Artha Sentosa, organizer of the SENIOR EXPO.  “Ajinomoto is very proud to be able to join in supporting this event. As part of Ajinomoto's corporate affiliates around the world headquartered in Japan, we collectively have 2 big goals by 2030 namely: extending the healthy life expectancy of 1 billion people worldwide and reducing 50% the environmental impact of our business activities. To achieve these two things, all of our employees at Ajinomoto Indonesia have transformed into Health Providers. As Ajinomoto Health Providers, we are all very excited to share this positive result, how Wise Salt can help extend the healthy life expectancy of the Indonesian people, at this event. Ajinomoto hopes that our contribution will be useful for the people of Indonesia," said Grant at the end of the interview.