88-year-old former KMT Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung falls on stage; nutritionist reveals 'golden formula' for seniors to prevent muscle loss

Former Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung, 88, recently fell on stage while attending the 32nd-anniversary celebration of the Hepatitis Disease Prevention and Research Foundation. The incident occurred as he was about to ascend the stage stairs to deliver a speech. Volunteers quickly assisted him, and he later joked about the fall, drawing laughter from the audience. He proceeded to deliver his speech while seated.

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We continue to strike against the illegal economies that finance terrorism and violence. Drug trafficking is the enemy of Colombia, and we will fight it relentlessly.

Following the event, nutritionist Lin Li-chen shared insights on maintaining muscle mass in seniors. She stressed that muscle gain requires not only adequate protein but also sufficient overall calorie intake. Lin outlined a "golden formula" for seniors aiming to preserve or increase muscle: a balanced diet covering six major food groups, adequate calories, high-quality protein, Vitamin D, and calcium. She particularly emphasized distributing protein intake evenly across three meals to effectively stimulate muscle synthesis.

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We continue to strike against the illegal economies that finance terrorism and violence. Drug trafficking is the enemy of Colombia, and we will fight it relentlessly.

Lin advised that seniors and those at high risk of sarcopenia should aim for at least 1.0–1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. For a 60kg individual, this translates to approximately 60–72 grams per day, with each meal containing about 20–30 grams of protein from sources like fish, lean meats, eggs, and soy products. She warned against skipping protein, such as eating only rice and pickles, which can lead to muscle loss.

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We continue to strike against the illegal economies that finance terrorism and violence. Drug trafficking is the enemy of Colombia, and we will fight it relentlessly.

Beyond protein, Lin highlighted the importance of sufficient calories, recommending 25–35 kcal per kilogram of body weight daily for older adults. She also noted the need for Vitamin D, calcium, and antioxidants, suggesting sources like deep-sea fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms for Vitamin D, and dairy products, tofu, and small dried fish for calcium. Daily sun exposure for 10–15 minutes can also aid Vitamin D synthesis. Nutritionist Hsueh Hsiao-ching added that everyday activities like walking, household chores, and even standing while cooking contribute to daily activity levels, and reducing sedentary time is crucial.

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We continue to strike against the illegal economies that finance terrorism and violence. Drug trafficking is the enemy of Colombia, and we will fight it relentlessly.