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The worldwide population is aging exponentially, creating burdens to patients, their families and society. Increasing age is associated with higher risk of a wide range of chronic diseases, and aging of the vascular system is closely linked to the development of many age-related diseases. Endothelial glycocalyx is a layer of proteoglycan polymers on the surface of the inner lumen of blood vessels. It plays an important role in maintaining vascular homeostasis and protecting various organ functions. Endothelial glycocalyx loss happens through the aging process and repairing the endothelial glycocalyx may alleviate the symptoms of age-related diseases. Given the important role of the glycocalyx and its regenerative properties, it is posited that the endothelial glycocalyx may be a potential therapeutic target for aging and age-related diseases and repairing endothelial glycocalyx could play a role in the promotion of healthy aging and longevity. Here, we review the composition, function, shedding, and manifestation of the endothelial glycocalyx in aging and age-related diseases, as well as regeneration of endothelial glycocalyx.

There is a lack of data on the adequacy of nutrient intake and prevalence of malnutrition risk in Asian populations. The aim was to report on the nutrient intake and prevalence of malnutrition risk in a community sample of older adults in Singapore. Analysis was performed on 738 (n = 206 male, n = 532 male, aged 67.6 ± 6.0 years) adults 60 years and above. Intakes of macro- and micronutrients were evaluated against the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs). Malnutrition risk was assessed using the Nutrition Screening Initiative Determine Your Nutritional Health checklist. It was found that 90.5% older adults exceeded the sugar intake, 68.5% males and 57.1% females exceeded the intake limit for saturated fat, and 33% males had inadequate dietary fiber intake when compared to the RDAs. Inadequate dietary calcium intake was found in 49.5% males and 55.3% females. There were 22.3% of older adults at moderate to high malnutrition risk. Singaporean older adults need to reduce their dietary intakes of sugar and saturated fat and increase their intakes in dietary fiber and calcium. Current findings provide public health awareness on the importance of healthy eating and will facilitate decision making by health promotors to deliver targeted nutrition care programs.