Meniti Usia Emas: Mengapa Penuaan Sihat Bukan Sekadar ‘nasib’
Malaysia is facing a growing challenge in healthy ageing, where longer life expectancy does not always translate into better quality of life. Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2025 show that only 14.7% of individuals aged 60 and above are ageing healthily, dropping to just 5.1% among those over 80. Healthy ageing is defined by key factors such as good cognitive function, emotional well-being, independence in daily activities, strong social support, and well-controlled chronic conditions.
One of the main concerns is frailty and sarcopenia (muscle loss), affecting nearly 45% of older adults. Physical weakness is often misunderstood as a normal part of ageing, but it can be slowed or prevented through regular strength training and proper nutrition. Mental health is equally important, as conditions like dementia and depression are often under-recognised, especially when symptoms appear subtle.
The article also highlights the importance of maintaining a sense of purpose in later life, alongside the growing burden on caregivers as more elderly individuals live alone and manage multiple health conditions. Overall, healthy ageing requires proactive and holistic preparation (physically, mentally, and socially), as Malaysia moves towards becoming an ageing nation by 2036.
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