A MAJOR community outreach initiative took place at Tatt Khalsa Diwan Selangor in Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur, as part of efforts to address Malaysia’s rapid transition towards an aged nation by 2030.
The event was organised by Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) Geriatric Special Interest Group (SIG) and Malaysian Society of Geriatric Medicine (MSGM), in collaboration with Tatt Khalsa Diwan Selangor and Sikh Home Centre.
The organisers’ second major outreach effort of the year benefitted 30 seniors and 13 caregivers, providing them personalised care and practical tools to support healthy, independent living at home.
Through interactive health talks, practical demonstrations and personalised counselling, participants gained valuable knowledge on frailty prevention, early recognition of cognitive impairment, fall prevention, medication safety, nutrition, mobility and home modifications, the organisers said in a media release.
A key highlight was a demonstration of simple strength and balance exercises that older adults can incorporate into their daily routines to improve mobility and reduce fall risk.
Pharmacists also provided guidance on safe medication use, particularly for individuals managing multiple chronic conditions.
Other healthcare professionals offered practical strategies towards maintaining functional independence.
Additionally, the programme encouraged meaningful interactions among seniors, caregivers and healthcare professionals, enabling participants to seek advice and make informed health decisions.
“As Malaysia’s population ages, achieving healthy ageing is not just about adding years to life, but adding life to those years,” said MPS Geriatric SIG lead and pharmacist Siti Aishah Ikmal Hisham.
“Frailty and functional decline should not be accepted as an inevitable part of growing older.
“By bringing multidisciplinary healthcare expertise directly into the community, we hope to empower seniors and caregivers with practical tools to maintain independence, dignity and quality of life at home,” she said.
The programme also highlighted the importance of shifting from basic disease management towards a holistic approach encompassing physical, cognitive, nutritional and social well-being.
The organisers thanked Tatt Khalsa Diwan Selangor, Sikh Home Centre, participating healthcare professionals and volunteers for their contributions.
