Contributing Factors to Rise in Malnutrition among Older Singaporeans

43 Ms Mariam Jaafar asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health in light of recent reports on a rise in malnutrition among older Singaporeans (a) to what extent are social isolation, mental health and financial constraints contributing factors to such under-nutrition; and (b) how is the Ministry coordinating efforts with community partners to address these factors alongside medical interventions.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: My response will also address the Parliamentary Question for written answer raised by Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye scheduled for today's Sitting and similar questions raised by Dr Charlene Chen, Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin and Mr Yip Hon Weng scheduled for subsequent Sittings. [Please refer to ​"Proportion of Seniors Screened or Flagged for Malnutrition", Official Report, 5 November 2025, Vol 96, Issue 10, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section; and ​"Outcomes of EatWise SG Programme and Nutrition Support Access for Vulnerable Seniors", Official Report, 5 November 2025, Vol 96, Issue 10, Written Answers to Questions section.]

Malnutrition of seniors is not a new issue. The Health Promotion Board (HPB) monitors the energy and nutrition intake of Singapore adults' diets through the National Nutrition Survey (NNS). Based on the 2019 and 2022 surveys, the rates have remained stable with about one in four older adults (aged 50 to 69 years) not meeting their minimum caloric requirement, and about one in two not meeting the recommended protein intake.

Diet is a critical aspect of population health. There are many risk factors for malnutrition including social isolation and low health literacy. This is why the Ministry of Health (MOH) is addressing them comprehensively through national programmes, such as Healthier SG and Age Well SG.

First, MOH and HPB help seniors to understand the importance of a healthy diet through community-based education efforts. For example, HPB's "Steady Lah" programme incorporates interactive activities to educate seniors about healthy balanced diet.

Second, primary care and community partners identify at-risk seniors and provide early intervention. Dietary advice will also be provided during the Healthier SG Health Plan and Nurse Counselling sessions. EatWise SG is an effort to enhance the capability of community partners and primary care physicians. MOH will monitor the outcomes of the capability development efforts such as patient satisfaction with nutrition care.

Thirdly, the Government also provides support to ensure that seniors, including those with low income, have access to healthy food. For example, the Community Development Council Voucher Scheme supports Singaporeans in managing daily expenses, such as food costs. HPB also works with supermarket chains to increase the variety of healthier house brand protein sources, which are typically more affordable. HPB also partners food businesses to make healthier meals accessible across different settings and budgets, as well as make healthier choices more obvious.

Vulnerable seniors, such as those with mobility challenges, and those who are unable to prepare or buy their own meals safely, can also receive subsidised, nutritious, home-delivered meals under the Meals-on-Wheels service.

We seek the support of all community partners and grassroots in these initiatives to improve nutrition support for seniors. Members of the public do not need to sign up to participate in EatWise SG. Instead, they may contact their Healthier SG clinics for nutrition advice or to find out more about available nutrition care programmes at Active Ageing Centres.