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Cherishing Our Parents: Are We Giving Our Parents the Care They Need?
By Alpro Pharmacy
June 1, 2024
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Happy Parents’ Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible individuals who have shaped our lives with their love, guidance and unwavering support.
As we care for them, it’s important to be caution for the following symptoms, if your parents have surpassed the age of 40:
- Poor Balance and Frequent fall
- Difficulty in performing daily activities
- Reduce in walking speed even on the flat ground
- Decrease in stamina
- Lose of weight
If your parents are showing all these signs, it’s quite likely they’re dealing with sarcopenia!
In Keng SL (2023), it is indicated that most Malaysians lack knowledge regarding sarcopenia. It’s crucial to be aware of its signs and symptoms earlier to prevent issues at their older ages.
What is Sarcopenia?
A recent study among Malaysians showed that sarcopenia affected between 5% and 13% of people aged between 60 to 70 years old and for those 80 years and older, it’s between 11% and 50%.
Sarcopenia, characterized by the progressive weakening and reduction in muscle mass with age. It primarily presents as muscle weakness—a clear indication of aging. Additionally, it escalates the needs of healthcare and heightens the risk of mortality.
Why is Sarcopenia a silent killer?
According to the assessment on Reshmy (2022), it was discovered that roughly one-third of elderly residing at Klang Valley, is suffering from sarcopenia.
It’s not just about muscle loss, it’s also linked to various other health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and bone problems. All of which can worsen the quality of life and increase the risk of hospitalization or the need for long-term care.
Have we truly fulfilled our roles as children?
1) Sufficient Protein intake
“Ever noticed how much chicken, beef or eggs your parents have on their plates?”
A study in Southern Malaysia revealed a troubling fact, that the elderly consume less than one-third of the recommended protein. This severe deficiency highlights a critical nutritional gap. As their children, we must act now to support our parents’ needs. Let’s ensure they consume a sufficient amount of protein daily.
According to MRNI (Recommended Nutrient Intake of Malaysia), it is recommended that a healthy adult ideally consume 1 gram of protein for every kilogram of their body weight per day or follow the range as below:
RNI for elderly
Men ≥ 60 years 57 g/day
Women ≥ 60 years 49 g/day
Consuming enough protein intake is a way to safeguard their strength and preserve their ability to carry out daily tasks without fear of frailty.
2) Vitamins to boost the calcium absorption.
“Do your parents need supplements?”
Combat sarcopenia alongside bone health is to enhance calcium absorption through Vitamin D3 and K2. These nutrients not only fortify bones but also help to maintain muscle mass, to promote overall mobility and vitality in seniors.
3) Increase physical activity
“Did your parents exercise today?”
Performing these enjoyable activities like walking, gentle yoga, and chair-based exercises can help to boost muscle strength and mobility in seniors with sarcopenia. These low-impact options also enhance flexibility and overall well-being with ease.
This simple act helps to support our parents in preserving their vitality, allowing them to embrace life’s precious moments without the burden of weakened muscles holding them back.
Embrace the spirit of Parents’ Month with our exclusive offer at Alpro Pharmacy! Treat your beloved parents to a journey of wellness and vitality. Pay a visit to our nearest outlet to explore personalized assessments of their body composition and ways to enhance their muscle strength. Plus, enjoy a complimentary consultation with our expert Dietitian and Nutritionist. Say NO to sarcopenia!
Need More Information? Talk to Our Expert!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Alpro ePharmacy or visit the nearest Alpro Pharmacy. Our team, consisting of pharmacists, doctors, physiotherapists, nutritionists, audiologists and dietitians, is ready to assist and provide support.
