The "113th Warm Festive Food and Care Conference" was held at 10 a.m. on August 3 at the "Elderly Health Industry Expo" in World Trade Center Hall 1. The event aims to improve the nutritional intake of elderly residents in rural areas and expand the festive care services to 122 green care stations, benefiting over 11,360 people.
Green Care: Protecting the Health of Elderly in Rural Areas
Since 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture has promoted green care policies, uniting agricultural and fishery associations along with the Rural Soil and Water Conservation Bureau to develop green care services with local characteristics. This year, the "Elderly Health Industry Expo" showcased the Green Care Pavilion, highlighting four aspects: green diet, green space, green therapy, and green companionship.
Considering the dietary challenges faced by the elderly, the Ministry has supported the Food Industry Research and Development Institute in creating senior-friendly food that balances nutrition, flavor, and texture. This year, the Ministry further enhanced festive care for rural elders by selecting festive gift sets recommended by professional nutritionists, delivering care through 81 green care stations in collaboration with public and private sectors.
Representatives from Rural Communities and Agricultural and Fisheries Associations' Green Stations Deliver Festive Gift Bags (Photo / Sourced from Ministry of Agriculture Website)
This year, the Ministry expanded the festive care program by adding 33 agricultural and 8 fishery green care stations, totaling 122 stations. During major holidays like Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Double Ninth Festival, and Winter Solstice, green care station staff and volunteers will deliver expertly curated gift sets of senior-friendly foods to rural elders, allowing them to feel the warmth of the festive season.
Festive Gift Set (Photo / Sourced from Ministry of Agriculture Website)
The Ministry of Agriculture stated that Taiwan will enter a super-aged society by 2025, and through these festive care activities, the goal is to help rural elderly enjoy a healthy aging life while raising awareness of their dietary needs. The Ministry also encourages the public to purchase senior-friendly foods to diversify the daily diet of older adults.
