SHAH ALAM, Aug 11 — As Malaysia heads towards an ageing society, similar to many developed nations across the globe, the active involvement of the community in promoting healthy ageing holds considerable significance, said Law and Institutional Reform Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
She said maintaining an active lifestyle while ageing, which could improve life expectancies, hinges on robust involvement from local communities rather than relying solely on government initiatives.
“Communities, like neighbourhoods, local politicians and universities, must take more ownership over active ageing (initiatives)… One cannot leave everything to the government alone because the government can support (initiatives), but not lead.
“Active ageing cannot succeed without community participation… Only then can grassroots make demands (over the matter) and the government can respond,” Azalina told Bernama after launching the inaugural International Symposium on Active Ageing (ISAA) today.
The symposium offers a platform for delegates to gain new insights and innovative strategies to encourage seniors to lead active lifestyles.
Azalina said Malaysia must strike a balance between prioritising the young and aged segments of society, ensuring graceful ageing with minimal dependence.
Anticipating Malaysia becoming an ageing nation by 2030, with the 60-and-above population surpassing 15 per cent of the workforce, Azalina emphasised the nation’s preparedness for a sufficient number of geriatricians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, including family caregivers.
As an advocate of active ageing, Azalina established Malaysia’s first Active Ageing Centre for individuals above 60 in Pengerang, known as Rakan Aktif Parlimen Pengerang.
This centre, among other services, prescribes exercise programmes to enhance heart health and musculoskeletal systems.
Chief executive officer of ISAA 2023 Prof Dr Muhammad Lee said the conference, featuring 23 speakers from nine countries, aims to explore effective healthcare and preventive solutions for Malaysia’s ageing population.
“The conference gathers professionals, researchers, and individuals from diverse countries to discuss the promotion of healthy and active ageing through nutrition, exercise, technology, and social engagement. Our ultimate goal is to deliberate ways to slow the human ageing process through physical exercise,” he said.
Core strength for seniors, exercise technology for the aged, and cardiac and community fitness programmes are some key topics that will be addressed.
— Bernama
