SEOUL – Meet Ha Sang-hee, a woman in her 30s who loves sharing her homemade meals on X. Her culinary creations are unique: they skip processed foods, sugary sauces, and even white rice. Instead, she embraces what she calls the “slow-aging diet.” This approach focuses on nutrition and flavor without the unnecessary ingredients.
“I feel more energized and healthy after sticking to this diet for eight months,” she shares. “It has really helped me take care of myself and clear my mind.”
Ha is part of a growing community on X, where about 58,000 people share their experiences on the slow-aging diet. Many of these individuals are in their 20s and 30s. The term “slow aging” has captured the imagination of the younger generation in Korea, promoting a lifestyle that emphasizes good habits and reduced stress for a longer, healthier life.
Changing Tastes and Influences
This trend marks a shift from earlier dietary preferences. Back in 2020, bold flavors from dishes like tteokbokki and malatang were all the rage, as people thought these meals helped reduce stress. However, the narrative changed dramatically thanks to Dr. Jung Hee-won, a professor of geriatric medicine at Asan Medical Centre in Seoul. Known as “Professor Slow-Aging,” he started promoting healthier diets in 2024, using his platform to turn “slow aging” into a trending topic.
He once gained attention for unusual food combinations, such as adding lentils to ramyeon, but now his mission encourages more people to try his healthy recipes.
Food Industry Response
As the slow-aging movement grows, brands are taking notice. Companies like 7-Eleven Korea and CJ CheilJedang have launched products inspired by Dr. Jung’s recipes, focusing on whole grains, less salt, and more vegetables. An official from Korea Seven noted that their slow-aging lunchboxes and ready meals are continuously getting rave reviews from millennials and Gen Z.
Another major player, GS25, introduced semi-polished rice after seeing a 60.7% jump in mixed grain sales. “The slow-aging trend is transforming the food market. It attracts health-conscious consumers and encourages us to diversify our offerings,” commented Lee Eun-hee, a consumer science professor.
Healthy Habits on the Rise
Younger generations are increasingly prioritizing health. A recent survey from Embrain Trendmonitor revealed that in 2024, 55% of respondents in their 20s and 49.5% in their 30s said they focus on health, compared to only 30.8% and 32% in 2016. Remarkably, these groups now show more interest in health management than those in their 60s.
This growing health awareness comes partly as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising rates of obesity and diabetes among younger people. Consumer economics professor Choi Chul notes, "As incomes rise, people are spending more on health and well-being. This ‘self-love’ mindset is especially strong among young adults." Social media is amplifying this trend, making health a more significant priority for many.
In summary, the slow-aging diet reflects a broader cultural shift in Korea, where youthful consumers are embracing health and wellness like never before. It’s exciting to see how this trend continues to reshape eating habits and lifestyles in the years to come.
Check out this related article: Unlocking the Secrets to Healthy Aging: Insights from the World’s Oldest Person
Source linkhealth;lifestyle;social media;south korea;trends;wellbeing;younger generation
