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For most of us, eating is a simple, everyday activity. However, the journey of food from the mouth to the stomach is far more intricate than we often realise. This process, involving the mouth, throat and oesophagus, resembles a carefully coordinated relay, where each stage must function seamlessly. When any part of this delicate system fails or comes under the strain of old age, swallowing becomes challenging, making each bite a potential hazard – leading to coughing, choking or even aspiration. For individuals with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), mealtimes can be distressing, disrupting their daily lives and placing a significant burden on carers.
In response to this, Link Asset Management (Link) has partnered with Fairwood Holdings to launch the “Fairwood X Link Soft Meal Activation Ceremony”, an initiative dedicated to helping individuals with dysphagia rediscover the joy of eating while alleviating the challenges faced by their caregivers. Officially launched in early March, the programme aims to raise public awareness of soft meals and promote Fairwood’s pioneering “Ah Wood Soft Meal” series.
The “Ah Wood Soft Meal” series is the result of a collaboration between Fairwood, the Hong Kong Council of Social Service and The University of Hong Kong’s Swallowing Research Laboratory. These meals adhere strictly to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) and Care Food Standard Guidelines Level 4, ensuring they meet the highest safety standards for individuals with swallowing difficulties. Beyond its nutritional and textural suitability, the Ah Wood Soft Meal series cleverly preserves the authentic flavours of Hong Kong cuisine.
Now available at affordable prices across all Fairwood outlets within Link shopping malls, these innovative soft meals provide a readily accessible dietary solution for those with dysphagia, enabling them to enjoy nourishing and flavourful meals.
At the activation ceremony, caregiver Mrs Law shared how soft meals have transformed her family’s daily life. Since her husband began enjoying Ah Wood Soft Meals, his mood and overall well-being have improved significantly, as he can once again savour familiar flavours. “These meals not only ease my caregiving responsibilities but also make life more convenient – especially on busy days when I no longer have to worry about meal preparation,” she said.
Mr Law, in turn, praised the flavour of the soft meals, highlighting that the ready availability of these meals has encouraged him to go out more frequently, fostering a greater sense of community interaction and social engagement.
Another elderly resident, Madam Wong, expressed her appreciation for the variety of flavours and the smooth texture of the meals. She remarked, “If the location remains convenient, I will definitely continue to enjoy these soft meal offerings.”
Link, Fairwood and The University of Hong Kong’s Swallowing Research Laboratory have also joined forces to introduce Mobile Swallowing Assessment Booth at Link shopping malls to further support individuals with swallowing difficulties. These stations provide free professional assessments, allowing individuals to detect early signs of dysphagia and seek timely intervention.
Additionally, Link organised an insightful soft meal-tasting session for its employees. This initiative enabled staff to experience firsthand the challenges faced by individuals with dysphagia, deepening their understanding of the importance of texture-modified meals and the crucial role they play in enhancing quality of life.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, Hong Kong Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, commended the initiative for injecting new vitality into the silver economy while addressing the practical needs of individuals with swallowing difficulties. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding elderly-friendly policies, ensuring that older adults can “enjoy great food and live a great life”.
Gary Fok, Link’s Managing Director – Leasing (HK), highlighted the pivotal role of Link shopping malls as community hubs, fostering close collaboration with tenants to enhance accessibility and inclusion. He noted that this partnership with Fairwood not only expands dining options for individuals with dysphagia but also strengthens community engagement, benefitting a broader spectrum of individuals in need and fostering a more inclusive, compassionate society.
