Research appears to show that strengthening chewing ability will lower the risks of dementia and memory loss in elderly

Taiwan News
Date: 2019/10/22
By: George Liao, Taiwan News, Staff Writer

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan Advanced Cultural Association (TACA) held a public welfare activity on Tuesday (Oct. 22) highlighting new findings that appear to show a correlation between chewing ability and prevention of dementia in senior citizens.

The World Health Organization (WHO) definition of an aged society is when more than 14 percent of its population is over 65 years old. Taiwan became an aged society in 2018, and is set to be super-aged by 2026 when at least 20 percent of the population is 65 or more.

TACA Chairman Kobe Chih (池國平) said that since 20.7 percent of Taiwan's population is forecast to be over 65 years old by 2026, it’s a pressing issue for the government. As such, it is important for the government to plan programs to enhance the health of senior citizens and reduce the tremendous costs of the country's long-term healthcare plan.

Research seems to show that strengthening chewing ability can lower the risk of dementia and memory loss. Therefore, Chih urged the public to focus more on oral health.   [FULL  STORY]