Results
The GoIndependent project started 2017 and the second phase started 2019. Feasibility of different technologies and approaches was evaluated in the first phase and showed for example
- Addition of xanthan to food for those suffering from swallowing disorders enhances safe swallowing.
- Stronger taste and aroma adjusted to seniors’ impaired teste and smell improved liking and can thus increase food intake.
- The possibility of 3D printing complex food shapes from homogenized food ingredients was demonstrated.
- Physical and oral exercises combined with textured, munchy food had a remarkably positive effect on muscle strength, oral functions, and nutritional intake in an intervention study in Japan.
Phase 2 of the project focuses on
- Munchy and soft munchy foods for retained oral function of healthy seniors
- Soft food for seniors with incipient frailty, for safer swallowing and increased taste and aroma adopted to the impaired senses of the seniors.
- Automated home-3D printing for personalized food including new ingredient supply systems
- An intervention study in Sweden on the combined effect of protein-rich, nutritious food and physical exercise including fall-prevention classes.
- A permanent autonomic frail prevention program by community dwelling older adults in Japan, and new exercise programs for pre-frail seniors to be combined with the increased protein and energy intake.
Further reading
Scientific publications
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Positive Effects of “Textured Lunches” Gatherings and Oral Exercises Combined with Physical Exercises on Oral and Physical Function in Older Individuals: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (2019) by Kito, Matsuo, Ogawa, Izumi, Kishima, Itoda and Masuda in
The journal of nutrition, health & aging volume 23, pages 669–676
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Physical properties of a model set of solid, texture-modified foods (2021) by Stading in Journal of Texture Studies, available on-line
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Bolus rheology of texture-modified food: Effect of degree of modification (2021) by Stading in Journal of Texture Studies, available on-line
Links
- Presentation of GoIndependent in Tokyo 2020
- Fall prevention for seniors by The Swedish Judo Federation
- Information about the app "Säkra steg" for personal training (in Swedish)
- Presentation about texture-modified food for safe swallowing and its bolus properties, 2021
