24 per cent of citizens are projected to be aged 65 or older by 2030.<\/p>\n
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A separate study by the National University Health System (NUHS) of 475 adults aged above 60 found that the malnutrition rate was one in 10 among robust seniors, and one in six among those with some signs of frailty. The rate was much higher in frail and hospitalised older adults, said Associate Professor Reshma Merchant from the National University Hospital (NUH).<\/p>\n
This is concerning as chronically poor nutrition contributes to increased frailty and a greater risk of falls and fractures, said Prof Reshma, who is head and senior consultant of NUH\u2019s division of geriatric medicine.<\/p>\n
For instance, one-quarter of those at risk of malnutrition had at least one fall in the past year, compared with 15 per cent of those with no malnutrition risk. Malnutrition also makes older adults vulnerable to poorer outcomes of disease, hospitalisation and surgery, she added. <\/p>\n
Prof Reshma noted that the latest data comes on the back of the Government\u2019s 2022 National Nutrition Survey, which found that one in two adults aged 50 to 69 did not meet the recommended intake of 20g to 30g of protein per meal \u2013 the equivalent of a palm-size piece of chicken breast.<\/p>\n
This is even as the survey found that a majority of the population exceeded saturated fat and sodium intake recommendations. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe fact that food is plentiful and available (here) does not necessarily prevent malnutrition, especially among certain sub-populations like older adults,\u201d said Prof Reshma.<\/p>\n
She noted that older adults require higher protein intake to maintain muscle mass, even as ageing is often accompanied by reduced appetite, altered taste and feeling full more quickly.<\/p>\n
Chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease can also reduce appetite, while medications may impair the body\u2019s ability to absorb nutrients. Social isolation and depression can further suppress appetite, while financial constraints may push some to choose cheaper, nutrient-poor foods, she added.<\/p>\n
NHG Health\u2019s Adjunct Associate Professor Lim Yen Peng said malnutrition slows recovery, affects mood and memory, and ultimately affects a person\u2019s quality of life and independence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why we need to act earlier \u2013 to prevent the onset and progression of malnutrition,\u201d said Prof Lim, who is also director of Group Allied Health and a senior principal dietitian.<\/p>\n
In June, NHG Health launched EatWise SG, a national initiative to enhance access to nutrition care in the community. This wider roll-out followed its successful pilot in the healthcare cluster\u2019s institutions since\u00a0April\u00a02024.<\/p>\n
More than 500 community care providers have to date been trained to recognise early signs of malnutrition and provide basic support, and there are plans to widen outreach through partnerships with home-based care teams and community organisations.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, NUH said it has been holding regular roadshows to raise nutrition awareness. <\/p>\n
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