A recent survey among Malaysians aged 40 to 59 found that 95% of respondents were concerned about their bone health, especially how it would affect their strength and mobility as they grew older.
Conducted by Malaysia’s number one adult milk powder brand Anlene, the survey also uncovered a few factors among respondents that were a cause of concern – lack of exercise, not enough exposure to sunlight for the production of Vitamin D and avoiding dairy products in their diet.
Since many health conditions occur as you age, it’s no surprise that taking care of your physical body becomes more of a priority the older you get.
However, the same survey found that only 33% of respondents say that they are doing their best to keep their health in check, including their bone health.
According to Megawati Suzari, Fonterra Brands Malaysia’s Director of New Product Development, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, there is still a gap in understanding bone health.
“Middle-aged adults must prioritise their bone health, as our bones work together with our joints and muscles to help support our everyday movement.
“Our bones may deteriorate as early as our thirties, and as we age, we may lose up to 20% of its density.
“Furthermore, our joint cartilage may experience significant degeneration in our forties, and our muscle function may become weaker, losing up to 29% of its strength as we age,” she said.
According to Associate Professor Dr Nor Faissal Yasin, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at
University of Malaya Medical Centre and UM Specialist Centre, middle-aged Malaysians are advised to look at risks of developing bone-related diseases.
For example, he lists osteoporosis as one of the diseases that affects nearly one in four Malaysian adults (mostly women) aged 50 years and above.
“Osteoporosis is a silent disease often diagnosed when a fragility fracture occurs, commonly in the wrist, hip or back bone.
“The risk factors include a diet low in calcium and vitamin D, lack of physical activity, underweight, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, advanced age and one’s family history.
“Adopting good lifestyle habits such as practising a balanced diet and staying physically active throughout the day can help prevent osteoporosis,” he said.
Malaysians aged 60 years and above are also advised to consult a healthcare professional to assess their bone health on a yearly basis.
Maintaining strong bones and muscles
It is important to make necessary lifestyle interventions so your bones, joints and muscles can continue to support your active lifestyle, ensuring you have the strength and flexibility up until a ripe old age.
Besides exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet, one way to supplement your body’s nutritional needs is by drinking milk, which is an important source of calcium, vitamin D and protein.
Another recent study looked at participants who consumed two glasses of milk added with MFGM and important nutrients, together with regular exercise everyday.
The participants had two times the improvement in flexibility, three times the improvement in balance and 40% more improvement in muscle mass compared to the control group.
Interestingly though, Anlene’s survey found that only 30% of respondents drink milk every day. In fact, 30% also weren’t aware how much calcium and vitamin D they required daily.
Each glass of Anlene milk contains key nutrients that are important to support adults’ daily nutritional needs.
The Anlene ACTIFIT 3X range comes with high calcium and protein, collagen and vitamins B2, B6, B12, C, D and E.
Meanwhile, Anlene GOLD 5X is scientifically formulated with the key nutrients as above, plus MFGM Active, that provides Milk Fat Globule Membrane and has no added sugars. It is suitable for adults aged 45 and above.
Find out more about Anlene on their website and how it can help you maintain your bone health.
As strong bones are one of the foundations to support mobility, find out what your Move Age is by assessing your posture, strength, flexibility and balance with the Anlene Move Check online quiz.
This article is sponsored by Anlene.
This article originally appeared in the Harian Metro with rights to be republished on Free Malaysia Today.