SINGAPORE \u2013 Add protein and calcium to meals, swop to wholegrain carbohydrate options, and reduce foods that are high in sodium, sugar and saturated fats.<\/p>\n
Homemaker Rosna Abdul Rahman, 70, learnt these tips on Sept 28 at the NTUC Health Active Ageing Centre (Care) in Bedok North during a newly launched nutrition programme.<\/p>\n
She is among 500 seniors from NTUC Health\u2019s 27 Active Ageing Centres (AACs) that will participate in a pilot run of the Stay Strong programme, which uses gamification and creative storytelling to make healthy eating relatable, practical and actionable.<\/p>\n
After the initial run in November, the programme will be rolled out to other AAC networks islandwide in 2027, with the aim of reaching 10,000 seniors by 2030.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis programme gives me more in-depth knowledge about nutrition,\u201d Rosna said. \u201cIt is also fun learning with friends at the AAC, and we can remind each other to follow the health tips.\u201d<\/p>\n Rosna Abdul Rahman (seated, second from left) participating in the Stay Strong programme on Sept 28.<\/p>\n ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n The programme was launched by FairPrice Foundation with Tan Tock Seng Hospital and NTUC Health.<\/p>\n Through two sessions, seniors will learn about key nutritional priorities, including increasing daily intake of protein- and calcium-rich foods.<\/p>\n They will also learn how to prevent common ageing-related conditions such as osteoporosis, falls and sarcopenia, or the loss of muscle mass and strength.<\/p>\n In addition, seniors can learn how to identify healthier options when grocery shopping, including understanding the Healthier Choice logo and choosing low-sodium, low-sugar, wholegrain and low-glycemic-index alternatives.<\/p>\n The programme features a story about Ah Bao, a fictional kopitiam uncle played by local actor Sugie Phua, who runs the Stay Strong economy rice stall. Through videos, Ah Bao introduces common food and nutrition dilemmas, questions and scenarios.<\/p>\n Food-sampling elements, curated in partnership with NTUC Foodfare, help seniors learn how to adapt and improve the nutritional value of their daily meals.<\/p>\n Seniors will be given resources that they can take home to apply what they have learnt and cultivate healthier habits in their daily lives. These include a \u201cHealthy Da Bao Box\u201d, designed around the Health Promotion Board\u2019s (HPB) Healthy Plate to guide seniors on the key food groups and proportions to consume, including when ordering takeaways.<\/p>\n They will also receive a 14-Day Stay Strong Challenge healthy habit tracker to encourage continued practice of the programme\u2019s catchphrase of \u201cadd, swop, reduce\u201d to make every meal healthier.<\/p>\n<\/picture><\/div>