Healthy ageing begins long before old age

Photo: Pixabay

WITH people aged 65 and above projected to account for around one in seven Malaysians by 2040, the government has rightly accelerated preparations through the proposed Older Persons Bill, the National Ageing Blueprint, the 13th Malaysia Plan and a range of healthcare and community initiatives.

These are commendable steps. However, if Malaysia truly wishes to age successfully as a nation, one fundamental principle deserves much greater emphasis: disease prevention should stand shoulder to shoulder with treatment.

Much of today’s discussions centre on expanding hospitals, clinics, nursing care, long-term care facilities and training more geriatric specialists. These are all essential, but they are largely reactive responses after disease has already developed.

Healthy ageing is not merely a medical issue; it is an economic and national development strategy. Every year that an older Malaysian remains healthy, independent and active represents enormous savings in healthcare expenditure while enhancing quality of life.

So, how do we prevent illness in the first place?

One practical step is to make health screening a way of life. Many Malaysians only undergo blood tests after they become ill. Instead, regular health screening should become the norm, particularly for those over 50.

The government should actively encourage this practice through affordable screening programmes, subsidies, incentives and public awareness campaigns.

Detecting diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and high cholesterol early often prevents far more serious and costly complications later.

Equally important, we must stop focusing only on today’s senior citizens. The healthiest 70-year-olds are often those who started looking after themselves in their 40s and 50s.

Healthy ageing begins decades before old age. National campaigns should therefore target middle-aged Malaysians just as aggressively, encouraging regular exercise, healthier eating habits, smoking cessation, reduced alcohol consumption and weight management. Waiting until someone reaches 60 is simply too late.

Another area requiring urgent attention is coordination across government agencies. Healthy ageing cannot be left solely to the Health Ministry or the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry. Every ministry and agency whose decisions influence people’s daily lives has a role to play.

The prolonged closure of the Bukit Kiara Federal Park for upgrading work illustrates this point. For almost two years, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular exercise parks has been inaccessible.

To the officials concerned, the closure may be an inconsequential matter. But for thousands of regular users, especially senior citizens, the park was their daily “health clinic” where they exercised, socialised and maintained their physical and emotional well-being. Further delays in the upgrading work will have real health consequences on them.

Education should also become everyone’s responsibility. Teachers, for example, can be powerful ambassadors of healthy living. When educators themselves embrace active lifestyles and healthy habits, they influence not only their students but also the families behind every child.

Finally, Malaysia should make greater use of inspiring role models. We are fortunate to have many distinguished senior Malaysians who continue to lead active and purposeful lives. Former Court of Appeal judge Tan Sri VC George, former sprint champion Tan Sri Dr Mani Jegathesan, entertainer Datuk DJ Dave and former cabinet minister Tan Sri Leo Moggie are among those who demonstrate that age need not diminish vitality, purpose or contribution to society.

Such individuals can inspire fellow Malaysians far more effectively than brochures or slogans ever could.

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. In preparing for an ageing society, Malaysia should embrace another equally important principle: healthy ageing begins long before old age.

POLA SINGH

Kuala Lumpur