Special 3D Food Printer Makes Meal Time Enjoyable for the Elderly

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European researchers are working towards creating a 3D printer that’s capable of creating easily digestible food. The goal is to create a machine that’s capable of creating food that not only maintains the shape and texture of real food, but also able to be fortified with nutrients.

In 2012, the EU launched the project “PERFORMANCE” to develop a holistic, personalized food supply chain for elderly people in nursing homes. More than one in five Europeans will be 65 and over by 2025, and the EU is working to keep elderly people healthier for longer.

Food is an important part of everyday life. For the elderly, nutrients are a very important part of their day –but getting enough can often be a difficult task. With many suffering from problems ranging from swallowing to digesting, getting the right amount of nutrients can often be difficult. In contrast to those who are younger, the impact of nutrition on their well-being and health is much greater.

The new 3D printer will keep meal time enjoyable, while providing the elderly with a nutritious meal that will not only provide them with valuable nutrients, but will be easily digestible and soft enough for them to enjoy – without losing out on the taste or appearance of real food – because let’s face it, if it doesn’t look good, no one’s going to want to eat it.

The special 3D food printer is set to launch in 2015.