The amino acid glutamate contained in umami spices such as Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) has many benefits which are very influential in increasing the appetite of the elderly. This increase in appetite helps in fulfilling good nutritional intake, which leads to improvements in the physical condition and quality of life of the elderly, which are measured, among other things, from the results of blood analysis and anthropometry in a study entitled "Elderly Meal Project".
PT AJINOMOTO INDONESIA (Ajinomoto) in collaboration with a research team headed by Dr. Toto Sudargo, M.Kes – researcher & nutritionist who is concerned about the nutritional intake of the elderly conducted the "Elderly Meal Project" research. This study aims to determine whether providing a food program with a high content of protein, energy, vitamins and minerals but low in salt, sugar and fat can improve the nutritional status of the elderly which will lead to an increase in their quality of life. This research period was carried out in October 2021 - January 2022, using a purposive sampling method, with research locations at the Tresna Werdha Social Service Center (BPSTW) Unit Abiyoso and BPSTW Budi Luhur - Yogyakarta. The two research locations were chosen in addition to being willing to be research sites, those two Senior Nursing House had never received similar interventions, and had a kitchen team that capable of preparing food independently.
According to Dr. Toto, due to the age factor, the hormones that regulate appetite in the elderly tend to decrease, so that it has the potential to cause the elderly to experience malnutrition. Malnutrition shows the adverse effects that can be experienced in the majority of the elderly, namely fatigue and muscle disorders.
“The Elderly Project research that we conducted with Ajinomoto showed that, after being given a feeding program for the elderly, there was a significant decrease in blood sugar levels. This is shown by the percentage of elderly men who had HbA1C values in the diabetic group, which was 52.9%, which decreased to 23.5% and the increase in the normal group, which increased from 14.7% to 47.1%. Nutrition education about the importance of maintaining a diet such as reducing sweet foods can significantly reduce blood sugar levels. The significant increase in protein intake occurred in both groups of elderly men and women," said Dr. Toto delivered material in the webinar session (7/01/2023) via zoom apps which was attended by most of the Jombang PKK members, and broadcast live streaming on Youtube Kompas.tv.
“The Elderly Project research that we conducted with Ajinomoto showed that, after being given a meals program for the elderly, there was a significant decrease in blood sugar levels. This is shown by the percentage of elderly men who had HbA1C values in the diabetic group, which was 52.9%, which decreased to 23.5% and the increase in the normal group, which increased from 14.7% to 47.1%. Nutrition education about the importance of maintaining a diet such as reducing sweet foods can significantly reduce blood sugar levels. The significant increase in protein intake occurred in both groups of elderly men and women," said Dr. Toto when delivering material in the webinar session (7/01/2023) via zoom apps which was attended by most of the Jombang PKK members, and broadcast live streaming on Youtube Kompas.tv.
"Based on the results of the study, it also shows that a low-salt menu in the feeding program is proven to reduce blood pressure in the elderly, namely SBP (Systolic Blood Pressure) and DPB (Diastolic Blood Pressure). Previously, kitchen staff at the Abiyoso and Budi Luhur BPSTW Units had been given education about the importance of dietary salt, especially in the elderly's diet. Reducing the use of salt which can reduce sodium levels, then replaced with AJI-NO-MOTO® products. The use of kitchen salt in the Abiyoso and Budi Luhur Unit BPSTW which has been reduced does not decrease the appetite of the elderly, it can be concluded that the taste of the food is proven to be delicious even though it does not contain as much salt as before. This implementation is an application of Ajinomoto's Wise Salt campaign, and is proven to be able to reduce sodium levels in food while still maintaining its delicacy, so that there is no decrease in appetite in the elderly," he continued.
According to Dr. Toto, the appetite of elderly actually tends to be low due to various physiological and psychological factors, but actually it can be overcome by increasing the receptivity of taste receptors through adjusting the balance of basic tastes (sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami).
In this webinar session, the PLT Director General of Health for Productive Age & Elderly of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Dr. Nida Rohmawati, MPH, was also present, who conveyed the policies, initiatives and ideas carried out by the government in the moment of National Elderly Day 2023 which took the theme Lansia Terawat, Indonesia Bermartabat.
"Actually, an increase in the number of elderly people is an indicator of the success of health development by reducing mortality and increasing life expectancy. However, this is also at the same time a challenge because the elderly experience many physical, mental, economic, and social setbacks. This is what we have to maintain together so that the elderly can also improve their quality of life," said dr. Nida.
"The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes RI), has a national strategy for elderly which is regulated in Presidential Decree No. 88/2021 which forms the basis of the Ministry of Health's National Action Plan. There are five strategies, increasing social protection, income security, & individual capacity; Improving the health status & quality of life of the elderly; Development of an elderly-friendly community & environment; Strengthening the institutional implementation of the elderly program; Respect, protection & fulfillment of the rights of the elderly," she continued.
dr. Nida added, related to the research and results of studies conducted by Dr. Toto Sudargo and supported by Ajinomoto was very interesting. "Thank you, Dr. Toto Sudargo and Ajinomoto teams who have conducted research at two nursing homes in the Yogyakarta area. It turned out that from the results of his study after being given a balanced nutritious diet by adding MSG as a strategy to reduce salt intake, there was a decrease in blood pressure. This is very interesting of course and further research is needed to determine the maximum level of MSG administration, and also for people who have a history of degenerative diseases such as hypertension and diabetes," said Dr. Nida.
Meanwhile, according to Grant Senjaya, Head of Public Relations Department - PT AJINOMOTO INDONESIA, the "Elderly Meal Project" study conducted with UGM can provide an understanding to the wider community that even at an advanced age people can still improve their quality of life and have a healthy life expectancy. by maintaining balanced nutritious food intake and also reducing intake of sugar, salt and fat.
“In Ajinomoto we have a Smart Salt campaign. Through the Smart Salt campaign that we are currently promoting, Ajinomoto wants to educate the public about the importance of a low-salt diet and invite Indonesian families to live healthier lives by reducing their intake or use of salt in preparing food but can still get a high taste. This campaign is also proof of our commitment as Health Providers to continue to make a positive contribution to society, by improving the welfare and health of Indonesian families through high quality products and services. Currently, the Ajinomoto Indonesia Group is increasing the literacy and knowledge of all of its employees to serve as Health Providers. Several initiatives were carried out by Health Provider Ajinomoto as a form of concern for improving the quality of healthy life of the community and the preservation of Indonesia's earth. One of our initiatives can be seen through the Dapur Umami website: https://www.dapurumami.com/page/bijak-garam for information and the Smart Salt menu application, which can be accessed by the wider community," concluded by Grant.
To look again at the webinar event that was organized by Ajinomoto & Kompas Digital teams, all media colleagues can open the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeCJGg1And4.