Today, for the first time in history, there are more people over 65 than under 5.1 While people are living longer, it is not always in good health. Across the globe, aging populations are facing growing health challenges, including frailty and malnutrition – two conditions that are deeply interconnected and often overlooked.

Frailty affects around 15% of adults over 60, and when combined with malnutrition, it can trigger a rapid decline in health, increase vulnerability to illness and lead to a loss of independence. These risks go undetected and untreated in many cases, whether older adults are at home, in hospitals or in long-term care.

But there’s a unique opportunity to change that – and it starts in the pharmacy.

Older adults visit pharmacies frequently, making pharmacists some of the most accessible health care professionals. They are perfectly placed to detect nutritional risks early and help older adults find tailored solutions.

Medical nutrition can make a real difference when someone is at risk of malnutrition. When food intake alone may be insufficient to cover a patient’s nutritional needs due to illness, loss of appetite or swallowing difficulties, targeted medical nutrition can support recovery and strength.

With more than 125 years of science-based expertise, Nutricia pioneers medical nutrition designed to address the specific needs of patients. Products like Fortimel Compact Protein have been shown to help meet nutritional needs and support muscle mass in older patients.

Yet, awareness of medical nutrition remains low. Research shows that 39% of patients and their caregivers visit pharmacies to better understand medical nutrition, and 12% of frail patients are willing to purchase products out of pocket – even when reimbursement is available. Pharmacists who engage in nutritional conversations can have a lasting impact: In France, 55% of medical nutrition customers had meaningful interactions with their pharmacists.

That’s why Nutricia is committed to standing beside pharmacists, offering clinical

education, tools and practical guidance to support patient care. Through nonprofit

educational platforms such as Danone Nutricia Campus, pharmacists can access tools, education and clinical resources to build their confidence and grow their expertise in medical nutrition.

For more information on Nutricia, visit: www.nutricia.com

This documentary is part of the FIP: Pharmacy for All, an official series of the International Pharmaceutical Federation, brought to you by Special Interest Films.