BACKWHY soft meals? Raising awareness for indications and benefits of soft meals in older adults
Dr FONG Raymond
Aesthetically pleasing appearance makes soft meals a preferred choice among older adults and the society, exemplified by increased consumption and recent funding initiatives
Promotion emphasizes improved appetite and quality of life, but seldom “who” are suitable to consume soft meals and the realistic expected benefit
Safety of swallowing and potential risks need to be considered for soft meal consumers and may not provide the same apparent benefits in all aspects as assumed, based on our team’s published studies’ findings
Community engagement through district health centers and elderly centers by public education activities on indications, contraindications, and benefits of soft meals.2. Collaboration with elderly service providers by two-way staff education and training. Development of a valid screening tool for identifying suitable candidates for soft meals and professional training for all local speech therapists, social workers, and community nurse.
Public: Seminar/Workshop – 400; GIES – 2000
Staff from elderly service providers (NGO) – 100
Local speech therapists, social workers and community nurse – 200
WHY soft meals? Raising awareness for indications and benefits of soft meals in older adults
Dr FONG Raymond
Aesthetically pleasing appearance makes soft meals a preferred choice among older adults and the society, exemplified by increased consumption and recent funding initiatives
Promotion emphasizes improved appetite and quality of life, but seldom “who” are suitable to consume soft meals and the realistic expected benefit
Safety of swallowing and potential risks need to be considered for soft meal consumers and may not provide the same apparent benefits in all aspects as assumed, based on our team’s published studies’ findings
Two-arm collaboration and knowledge transfer campaign
Community engagement through district health centers and elderly centers by public education activities on indications, contraindications, and benefits of soft meals.2. Collaboration with elderly service providers by two-way staff education and training. Development of a valid screening tool for identifying suitable candidates for soft meals and professional training for all local speech therapists, social workers, and community nurse.
By addressing the "why" behind soft meal consumption with the scientific evidence we have found, the project endeavors to improve the overall well-being and quality of life for older adults with chewing and swallowing difficulties.
Public: Seminar/Workshop – 400; GIES – 2000
Staff from elderly service providers (NGO) – 100
Local speech therapists, social workers and community nurse – 200
2024
Healthcare, Well-being