Project Description

This project was initiated as a result of exploring local data on frailty and malnutrition amongst the elderly in Singapore. We were shocked to find malnutrition prevalence rates of over 30% in those over 65. These were associated with long periods of stay in hospital. Working with an innovation oriented health care centre in Singapore we developed a programme of research to understand the unique needs of Asian populations in the Singapore context. In partnership with the regional health care centre we developed a proposal for Govt funding to  be successfully funded for a national programme of work to drive our understanding of nutritional needs of elderly Singaporeans.

Why do this Project?

The data suggests the poor nutritional status amongst the elderly is a strong predictor for increased frailty, falls and fractures as well as a suppressed immune system. All of these can lead to emergency admissions to hospital with the associated costs to the health care system. Singapore has the second fastest ageing population in the world (next to Japan). The Government is supporting a number of healthy ageing initiatives. The anecdotal evidence suggests that the elderly increasingly live alone, do not consume dairy and often have inadequate protein in their diets. We wanted to learn about the type of protein based supplements such participants would agree to take.

Findings

This project is still ongoing with several research strands including a clinical trial providing an oral nutritional supplement as well as developing new product prototypes to seek sensory feedback from participants. The research will inform the design of products to meet the cultural needs and taste preferences of Asian populations. With Singapore having Chinese, Malay and India subcultures the findings will assist with product development in Southeast Asia. The project will develop a predictive risk tool using data from the community and hospital settings to identify those at risk of malnutrition so that early interventions can be made.