‘We cannot stop our parents from ageing, but we can change the way they age’

Sri Lanka is standing at a critical demographic crossroads. By 2030, one in every five Sri Lankans will be over the age of 60, as birth rates continue to decline and life expectancy rises. This rapid shift is already creating far‑reaching economic and social consequences-shrinking productive populations, increasing healthcare and pension costs, mounting pressure on hospital capacity, and a growing dependency ratio that places strain on families and the nation alike. Yet beyond these numbers lies a deeply rooted human truth: when our parents retire, their world often becomes smaller. Routines fade, passions quieten, and purpose slips away—quietly draining physical strength, emotional resilience, and mental sharpness.

Sustagen, Sri Lanka’s most trusted adult nutrition brand with over 60 years of heritage, is stepping forward to reframe how the nation views ageing. Not as a gradual withdrawal—but as a powerful new chapter where parents remain active, independent and inspired. This belief is brought to life through Sustagen’s renewed proposition: “Sustagen මඟහරින්න බැරි ගුණයක්, සුවපත් මව්පිය පරපුරක්.” It is both a promise and a call to action—to give our parents renewed purpose, supported by the nutrition they need to live it fully.

To bring this national issue into sharper focus, Sustagen hosted an insightful and thought‑provoking panel discussion that strongly amplified the conversation around healthy ageing in Sri Lanka. Moderated by renowned media personality Madhawa Wijesinghe, the panel brought together Professor Madhura Jayasinghe from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (Food Science & Technology), Chaminda Vaas, a Cricketer and a Coach for respected symbol of sustained fitness and vitality, popular actor Roshan Ranawana and former Miss Sri Lanka Anudi Gunasekara representing the generation of children who care for their ageing parents. The discussion explored how mindset, purpose, family support and nutrition collectively shape how parents experience their later years.

At the heart of this movement is a simple yet powerful idea: healthy ageing requires purpose—and the right nutrition to sustain it. Sustagen strengthens this belief with a clear and relevant reason to believe, through its scientifically formulated blend of 24 essential nutrients. The key focus is on the three pillars that supports healthy ageing: activeness, immunity and cognitive strength. Because the confidence to start new at 60 and beyond comes when the body is energised, immunity is supported, and the mind remains sharp.

Speaking at the event, Professor Madhura emphasised the role of nutrition in enabling healthy ageing, “As parents grow older, their nutritional needs change significantly. Adequate intake of essential nutrients is vital for maintaining activeness, supporting immunity and preserving cognitive strength. When the correct nutritients are combined with an active lifestyle and renewed purpose, it can greatly improve quality of life in older adults.”

For sons and daughters - the often‑unseen decision‑makers - this movement reframes responsibility into opportunity. It asks a powerful question: what new beginning can you help your parents discover? A passion long forgotten. A routine that brings joy. 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 supports mental clarity.

Anuradha Hewage, Marketing Manager – Reckitt Sri Lanka, shared the brand’s vision, “As Sri Lanka ages, the conversation must shift from concern to action. Through Sustagen, we want to inspire children to give their parents renewed purpose, while providing the nutritional support they need to age healthily. 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 underwent 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. Because while we cannot stop time, we can change the way our parents age -with purpose, dignity, strength, and nutrition they truly can’t live without.