Abstract
The provision of special food to suit the medical and nutritional needs of the aged is vital in an aging society. The authorized requirements for labelling such food for aged persons have been established. An outline of the special foods was determined for aged persons who have difficulty masticating and swallowing. These foods were then categorized into types suitable for aged persons having difficulty only in masticating, and those having difficulty in both masticating and swallowing. These foods are generally soft or in liquid form, using carbohydrates as a textural modifier. Some examples of complete meals are presented for aged persons having difficulty in swallowing, with the physical properties and the food function of carbohydrates indicated .
