How Hong Kong’s elderly face ‘hidden malnutrition’ risk and expert tips on staying healthy
Hong Kong's elderly population faces a growing risk of 'hidden malnutrition' due to age-related physiological changes and socioeconomic factors. Experts emphasize that targeted nutrition is essential for maintaining independence and preventing health complications like muscle loss and cognitive decline.
Why it matters
As global life expectancies rise, addressing the nutritional needs of the elderly is critical to reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving quality of life.
Hong Kong boasts the world’s highest life expectancy, but living longer does not always mean living well.
Beneath the longevity statistics lies a quiet crisis: “hidden malnutrition” among the elderly, who consume enough calories to survive, yet suffer from severe, unseen nutrient deficiencies that silently strip away their independence.
Decreasing mobility, shrinking appetites and tiny flats influence how the city’s older adults eat. Calorie needs naturally drop with age, but the body’s demand for vital nutrients actually surges – making targeted nutrition vital for “ageing in place” safely.
Ageing ushers in changes to the body – metabolism slows, energy needs decrease and the ability to chew, swallow and digest food may be compromised. For many, growing older comes with financial constraints and living with chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
These factors can affect nutritional intake, further affecting health.
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