Collagen is More Than Just Beauty – Martin Walter, Category Manager of Health & Anti-Aging and Sports Nutrition at Gelita, a German company that supplies bioactive collagen peptides in its bone health products, explains the importance of collagen for skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone health, emphasizing that its benefits extend beyond beauty.
Collagen accounts for about 30% of the body's total protein, but after age 20, collagen production decreases annually, estimated at a reduction of about 1 to 2%. By age 60, the body retains only about 40% of its original collagen.
Walter says that bioactive collagen peptides can stimulate collagen production, but they must be derived from animal sources, not plant proteins, so this should be considered when purchasing. He reminds readers that even in old age, it's still possible to increase muscle mass through exercise and diet; the key is that mindset affects quality of life—cultivating the right attitude and developing good habits will lead to a healthier mind and body.
Five Habits for Healthy Body and Mind
Lin Anna, along with Health Can Be Fun nutritionist Xie Ying and Solabia Nutrition Asia Pacific Sales Manager Lu Xinyao, discussed the physical changes that occur with age and how to maintain good health. Lu Xinyao introduced the super fruit extracts contained in Recogen Prime.
Increased stress, decreased physical activity, and an unbalanced diet can all lead to cellular aging, slowing the function of mitochondria (the "energy factories" of cells), and resulting in slower recovery of bodily functions, thus causing increasing fatigue.
Xie Ying suggests five daily habits beneficial to physical and mental health:
① Ensure a balanced diet, eat plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, ideally with a variety of foods every day;
② Consume high-quality protein to help maintain and repair muscles;
③ Ensure adequate hydration, as dehydration can cause fatigue and weakness;
④ Engage in moderate exercise daily, even a 15-minute walk can promote blood circulation;
⑤ Get sufficient rest to relieve stress, and promote energy recovery through deep breathing or cultivating hobbies.
Xie Ying points out that as we age, the body's ability to absorb nutrients may decrease, and nutritional supplements may be necessary.
Osteoarthritis Treatment Diversification
The final speaker was Dr. Teo Yee, Senior Orthopedic Surgeon Consultant at Synergy Orthopedic Group. Hong, in a presentation titled "Correcting Deformed Joints, Restoring a Youthful and Painless Walk," meticulously explained what osteoarthritis is and its treatment strategies. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, swelling, and stiffness. Approximately 19% to 26% of patients in Hong Kong are 60 years of age or older, with the vast majority (94%) suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
With the continuous advancement of medical technology, surgical techniques and treatment options have become increasingly diversified. For example, doctors can use 3D printing technology to custom-make prostheses for patients. Recovery time is also generally shorter than before. Taking joint replacement surgery as an example, patients can begin walking training on the afternoon of the surgery, and later bend their knees and squat.
Dr. Zhang Yihong also introduced other joint replacement surgeries, such as hip, shoulder, and elbow joints. He said, "Joints that can move can 'break,' but I always have 'spare parts' to replace them."
