Promoting Awareness of and Implementing Preventive Measures against Sarcopenia
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns efforts to raise awareness of sarcopenia and the promotion of resistance training to mitigate age-related muscle loss. Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song inquired about current preventive health initiatives and the provision of funding for accessible exercise facilities. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung highlighted the $3.5 billion Age Well SG initiative, which includes expanding the network of Active Ageing Centres to 220 by 2025. These centres offer programmes such as "Steady Lah" for progressive muscle strengthening and the "Live Well, Age Well" initiative for strength and flexibility. Furthermore, the Health Promotion Board conducts campaigns to educate seniors on maintaining a well-balanced diet with sufficient protein intake to support an active lifestyle.
Transcript
34 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Health (a) what initiatives are currently in place to (i) promote awareness of sarcopenia and its associated consequences for older people (ii) encourage regular resistance training from a younger age as a preventative health approach to reducing the risk of sarcopenia; and (b) whether greater funding can be provided for the construction of exercise facilities that are safe to use and easily accessible to those at risk of sarcopenia to mitigate its effects.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Sarcopenia refers to the progressive loss of muscle mass as one ages. Seniors who have a well-balanced diet and an active physical lifestyle have a lower risk of sarcopenia.
To help more seniors age actively, we have set aside $3.5 billion over the next decade for Age Well SG initiatives, including enhancing and expanding the network of Active Ageing Centres (AACs). By 2025, seniors will be served by 220 AACs offering a variety of activities including physical exercises that support those at risk of sarcopenia. This includes the Health Promotion Board's (HPB's) Steady Lah programme, which incorporates progressive muscle strengthening exercises.
Under the Live Well, Age Well programme by HPB and the People's Association, Singaporeans aged 50 and above can also participate in various active ageing activities in the community, including weekly group exercises to build strength, balance and flexibility, and workshops to learn about healthy eating.
There are various public awareness campaigns that promote healthy eating and physical lifestyle habits by the Ministry of Health. For instance, through Health Hub, social media and other channels, HPB raises awareness of the need for seniors to have sufficient protein intake as part of a well-balanced diet.