As the Super-Aged Society Arrives, How Can We Age Healthily and Gracefully?
“How old are you?” may seem like a sensitive question, but in reality, “age” has become an important issue that cannot be overlooked — from individuals to society as a whole. According to statistics from Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior, Taiwan’s aging index had already surpassed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia by the end of 2016, ranking behind only Japan, Germany, France, and South Korea. It is projected that Taiwan will enter a “super-aged society” in 2025.
However, the challenge goes beyond demographic change. Taiwan’s aging rate is among the fastest in the world, rapidly transitioning from an “aging society” to a “super-aged society.” The increasing healthcare burden brought by this population shift will become one of the most critical issues requiring attention in the coming years.
圖片來源：電影「我想念我自己」劇照
“A Trapped Soul”
Exploring the Leading Cause of Disability — Dementia
The film “Still Alice” portrays the life of a renowned university linguistics professor who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 50. From that moment on, the fulfilling family life and distinguished career she had built over the years gradually begin to unravel as the disease progresses.As she faces declining abilities, the brilliance and achievements of her once remarkable life slowly fade away, and she gradually loses her sense of self and control over her own life.
Dementia is a widespread age-related condition and is also the leading cause of disability in Japan. According to statistics, Taiwan has approximately 300,000 people living with dementia, meaning that 1 in every 12 adults aged 65 and above is affected.Dementia is caused by brain disorders and a decline in cognitive function. The factors contributing to brain changes can generally be divided into two categories:
1. Degenerative Dementia:
This category includes Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease-related dementia. In these conditions, abnormal proteins gradually accumulate in the brain over time, leading to neurological damage and cognitive decline.Among all types of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common, accounting for more than 60% of dementia cases.
2. Vascular Dementia:：
This category includes post-stroke vascular dementia and small vessel disease-related dementia, accounting for approximately 20% of dementia cases. It may occur when major blood vessels rupture or become blocked, causing a stroke and sudden cognitive decline. It may also result from long-term chronic blockages in small blood vessels, gradually leading to dementia.Although dementia currently has no cure, it is possible to slow its progression and take preventive measures through proper health management.
“I Don’t Want to Be Pushed Outside Just to Sit in the Sun”
The Freedom to Move Is the Most Precious Gift in Later Life
According to statistics, muscle mass gradually declines after the age of 30. After 30, muscle loss occurs at an average rate of 0.5% to 1% per year. After the age of 40, muscle mass decreases by approximately 8% every 10 years, and after 70, the decline may accelerate to 15% every 10 years. Without proper attention, this may increase the risk of developing sarcopenia.Sarcopenia refers to the combination of reduced muscle strength and decreased muscle mass. When accompanied by joint degeneration, it can significantly impair mobility and daily function.Sarcopenia not only affects physical health, mobility, and quality of life among older adults, but also increases the risks of falls, fractures, cognitive impairment, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular complications, disability, and mortality.
Before Entering the Super-Aged Society
Biocom Creates an Elegant Wellness Lifestyle for the New Generation of Seniors
Learning from the experiences of Japan and South Korea as Taiwan approaches a super-aged society, we can gain valuable insights into healthy aging. Japan, in particular, is recognized for having one of the world’s longest average life expectancies, and its approach to health maintenance offers meaningful lessons.Aging is an inevitable process of life. Rather than focusing solely on aging itself, greater attention should be placed on how to slow the aging of our “biological age.” Women may be more concerned about visible signs of aging, while men may focus more on declining physical strength; however, changes in appearance are often only the final reflection of deeper internal aging processes.By integrating preventive medicine with biotechnology-based wellness solutions, we aim to help maintain a younger biological state and support the body in staying at its optimal condition.
In 2023, Baikang Trade explored the path of wellness throughout every stage of life with you under the theme “Active Living, Graceful Aging.