According to two studies by National University of Singapore (NUS) released yesterday, older adults from lower income groups – who are single with no formal education – tend to suffer from physical frailty. However, with good nutrition, physical exercise and cognitive stimulation can slow the process.
Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Studies (SLAS) concluded a correlation between socio-economic factors and frailty through a study of 1,685 respondents. The SLAS has followed about 3,000 Singaporeans aged 55 and above since 2003.
Associate Professor Ng Tze Pin, who led both studies, suggested that this phenomenon is caused by the seniors’ lack of knowledge and ability to afford nutritional food. Also, Prof Ng explains that eating as a social activity, and these single elderly are most likely not eating enough.
Frailty is a geriatric syndrome where organ function is below a healthy level which results in a reduced resistance to stress and an increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes such as falls.
A different NUS team conducted a second study from 2010 to 2013 and published in 2015 in the American Journal of Medicine examined 250 elderly people above 65. This study reported that a healthy diet for elderly people is one that has sufficient calories and protein.
It reported that seniors who prescribed to good nutrition, physical activity and cognitive stimulation were less frail than others.
Prof Ng explained that with old age the body becomes less effective in converting amino acids into muscle. To slow this process, one must have good nutritional intake, especially protein. According to the Health Promotion Board (HPB), the recommended daily allowance of protein for males above 60 is 68g and that for females above 60, is 58g.
Regular physical exercise will also slowdown muscle degeneration by doing muscle-building exercises such as squats and weight-lifting exercises.
The study has also found that cognitive stimulation could also help increase mobility. Mental exercises such as mahjong and Sudoku and even walking is a cognitive activity that allows for sensory stimulation and decision making.
Prof Ng, who is in the department of psychological medicine at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, is currently working with the Geriatric Education and Research Institute and voluntary welfare organisations to develop and implement screening for frailty as well as interventions for at-risk elderly. Prof Ng believes that frailty is avoidable through such interventions.
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Source: The Straits Times, 20 June 2017