Sri Lanka finds itself at a significant demographic turning point. By the year 2030, it is projected that one in every five Sri Lankans will be over the age of 60. This shift is driven by declining birth rates and increasing life expectancy, leading to substantial economic and social implications. These include a shrinking workforce, rising healthcare and pension costs, increased pressure on hospital capacities, and a higher dependency ratio that burdens families and the nation. Beyond these statistics lies a profound human reality: as parents retire, their world often contracts. Routines diminish, passions fade, and purpose wanes, quietly eroding physical strength, emotional resilience, and mental acuity.
Sustagen, Sri Lanka’s most trusted adult nutrition brand with a heritage of over 60 years, is taking steps to transform the perception of ageing in the country. Instead of viewing it as a gradual retreat, Sustagen envisions it as a dynamic new chapter where parents remain active, independent, and inspired. This vision is encapsulated in Sustagen’s revitalized proposition: “Sustagen මඟහරින්න බැරි ගුණයක්, සුවපත් මව්පිය පරපුරක්.” This serves as both a promise and a call to action, encouraging families to provide their parents with renewed purpose, supported by the nutrition required to fully embrace it.
To highlight this national issue, Sustagen organized a compelling panel discussion aimed at enhancing the conversation about healthy ageing in Sri Lanka. The panel, moderated by renowned media personality Madhawa Wijesinghe, included Professor Madhura Jayasinghe from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (Food Science & Technology), cricketer and coach Chaminda Vaas, actor Roshan Ranawana, and former Miss Sri Lanka Anudi Gunasekara. They represented the generation of children responsible for caring for their ageing parents. The discussion delved into how mindset, purpose, family support, and nutrition collectively influence the experience of parents in their later years.
Central to this movement is the idea that healthy ageing necessitates purpose and the right nutrition to sustain it. Sustagen reinforces this belief with its scientifically formulated blend of 24 essential nutrients, focusing on three key pillars: activeness, immunity, and cognitive strength. The confidence to start anew at 60 and beyond is fostered when the body is energized, immunity is bolstered, and the mind remains sharp.
During the event, Professor Madhura highlighted the critical role of nutrition in facilitating healthy ageing. “As parents age, their nutritional needs change significantly. Adequate intake of essential nutrients is vital for maintaining activeness, supporting immunity, and preserving cognitive strength. When proper nutrition is combined with an active lifestyle and renewed purpose, it can greatly enhance the quality of life for older adults,” he stated.
For sons and daughters, often the unseen decision-makers, this movement transforms responsibility into opportunity. It poses a powerful question: what new beginning can you help your parents discover? A long-forgotten passion, a joyful routine, or a reason to wake up each day with excitement. Sustagen supports this journey by becoming part of a daily ritual that fuels energy, strengthens immunity, and enhances mental clarity.
Anuradha Hewage, Marketing Manager at Reckitt Sri Lanka, shared the brand’s vision: “As Sri Lanka ages, the conversation must shift from concern to action. Through Sustagen, we aim to inspire children to give their parents renewed purpose while providing the nutritional support they need for healthy ageing. This is more than a brand initiative; it is a national cause to build a healthy generation of parents and, ultimately, a stronger Sri Lanka.”
The event also featured the Sustagen Nutrition Lab, where attendees could undergo simple assessments to identify nutritional gaps and better understand how proactive nutrition can support healthy ageing, turning awareness into meaningful action.
Sustagen continues to lead the conversation on healthy ageing in Sri Lanka. While we cannot stop time, we can change the way our parents age—with purpose, dignity, strength, and essential nutrition.
