KEY TO AGING GRACEFULLY

Every nation in the world is seeing increases in both the total population and the percentage of elderly people. One in six persons on the planet will be 60 years of age or older by the year 2030. At this point, there will be 1.4 billion people, up from 1 billion in 2020, who are 60 years of age or older. Opportunities come with living longer, not just for elderly and their families but also for society as a whole. Additional years offer the option to engage in pursuits of higher education, a new line of work, or a long-forgotten interest. However, one factor has a significant impact on how much these opportunities and contributions can be made and this is our health.

Chronic illness, functional decline, and geriatric disorders are all major risks for older persons. There is still a lack of information about how to encourage continued growth in older adult populations, despite rising knowledge about the health issues that affect older adults and the development of care management and coordination models for older adults with complicated medical demands. Increased use of wellness, which is defined as encouraging development by leveraging strengths and realizing potential, could aid in solving this issue.

Over the past 50 years, the concept of wellness has been applied to a variety of fields. According to Ardell’s wellness model , wellness is demonstrated by having a strong sense of self-worth, a sense of purpose, concern for others and the environment, a sense of balance and an integrated lifestyle, freedom from addiction or other health-harming behaviours, coping skills, and the ability to love and nurture.Healthy habits and  exceptional wellness programs for seniors can decrease the risks of diabetes, cancer, obesity, arthritis, Alzheimer’s Disease, hypertension as well as mood disorders like depressions or anxiety .Supporting older individuals’ pursuit of wellbeing would help our society promote both vitality and longevity.

As the world faces a demographic revolution with a rise in life expectancy by 2 decades it is no wonder that the World Health Organization has mentioned that the proportion of adults over 60 is increasing faster than that of any other age group in practically every nation. Numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of social involvement in maintaining health and lifespan. It is of utmost importance for our seniors to have a place that they can be in which is not only stimulating but also enjoyable where they can create enduring relationships and friendships while taking part in a variety of enjoyable and life-enriching activities .

Looking into the demographics of the elderly population and lack of such facilities in the region of Klang Valley, it would be a great opportunity for health care organization to venture into Wellness for the Aging to accommodate the demands and increasing need for such facilities . By establishing Wellness for the Aging, we hope that seniors may age actively and have access to the resources and assistance they need to preserve both their physical and emotional well-being.

Among the goals are to enhance seniors’ general health through a range of strategies, such as more physical exercise, better eating, and encouragement of other healthy behaviours. Create programs that will effectively be engaging that can lead to  improved health and reduced health care costs . Provide facilities where the seniors can enjoy quality services, facilities and amenities in a community atmosphere that makes them feel at home. In a nut shell, all the services are designed to improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of the elderly so everyone will be entitled to age gracefully.

Dr Alex Lau Lian Quan

Dr Nor Liyana Khairuddin