KOTA KINABALU: Healthcare for older persons must take into account each individual’s abilities and condition to ensure that the services and support provided are appropriate to their needs, says Sabah Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki.
She said older persons have varying levels of health and physical capabilities, making it necessary to adopt individualised care approaches rather than treating them uniformly based on age alone.
Julita said some senior citizens remain healthy and capable of living on their own, while others require support or assistance with daily activities.
"Care must be tailored to individual circumstances. The goal is not merely to meet their treatment needs, but also to help older persons maintain their abilities, independence and dignity," she said at the opening of the 2026 Sabah State-Level International Day of Older Persons Celebration in Sabah’s northern Matunggong sub-district in Kudat.
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Julita said the approach is in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) concept of Healthy Ageing, which also forms the basis of the Health Ministry's Elderly Healthcare Services Action Plan 2023-2030.
The plan encompasses various services, including health screening and assessments, medical examinations, treatment, counselling, referrals, home-based care and rehabilitation.
Julita also stressed that older persons who require assistance must continue to be given opportunities to express their views and participate in decisions concerning their care, according to their respective abilities.
"We must respect the choices and dignity of every older person. The need for assistance should not mean that their right to express their views on their own care is disregarded," Julita said.
She hoped that individualised approaches would continue to be strengthened to ensure appropriate services for all seniors.
