Many over-50s not eating properly (Nutrition)

The following was reported in the Straits Times dated 2 September 2010, Thursday by reporter Lee Hui Chieh


OLDER Singaporeans are not getting enough nutrition, a survey of 421 people has found.

Only 1 per cent of those aged above 50 have a balanced diet that meets the recommendations of the Health Promotion Board (HPB), it found.

In fact, almost three in 10 respondents were found to be at moderate or high risk of malnutrition, which raises their risk of falls, fractures and infections.

Each day, on average, an older Singaporean has 3.78 servings of rice and other carbohydrates, instead of the recommended five to seven servings, the poll found.

He eats 1.78 servings of meat and dairy products, instead of two to three servings. And he consumes 0.85 serving of fruit and 1.22 servings of vegetables, instead of two servings each.

Surveyors interviewed the 421 people aged above 50 face-to-face between February and March, and asked them about the meals they had the day before.

They were picked through random sampling, but following race and gender proportions that reflect the general population. They had not been hospitalised in the two months prior to the survey or undergone surgery in the previous six months.

The poll was done by a research company commissioned by Abbott Nutrition, which makes nutritional supplements.

Dr Chan Kin Ming, 51, a founding member of the Society for Geriatric Medicine and a consultant for the survey, said it was important to find out how many are at risk of malnutrition, as the population is ageing and malnutrition could cause health problems that would in turn increase health-care costs.

For example, a lack of protein over months could lead to an individual losing muscle mass, becoming weak and hence more prone to falls, he said. This could result in the individual becoming bedridden.

The survey found that those who are older and live alone in one- or two-room HDB flats are more likely to be at a higher risk of malnutrition.

It also found that the risk was higher for those who eat fewer than two meals a day, eat little fruit, vegetables or milk products, or have an illness that dampens their appetite.

Dr Chan said some elderly people believe in not eating too much as their digestive systems have deteriorated; others have trouble chewing or swallowing, or are deterred by the cost of food.

Part-time cleaner Teo Swee Kim, 72, said she does not eat vegetables or meat often as she finds them hard to chew with her dentures - not that she even enjoys eating them.

'But I make up for that by eating more fruit and eggs,' she said.

The survey also found that a person's body mass index - a measure of one's weight in relation to height - does not indicate whether that person is getting adequate nutrition. Someone of normal weight or who is obese could still be malnourished.

Dr Chan urged general practitioners to screen their patients for malnutrition risk on top of checking their body mass index. Abbott Nutrition will distribute a scientifically validated checklist to 1,000 GPs from next month to help them screen the elderly for malnutrition.

The checklist will also be available at www.abbott.com.sg/ensurelife_determine soon.