Universiti Malaya Community Engagement Centre (UMCares)

Universiti Malaya Community Engagement Centre (UMCares)

Malaysia entered an ageing society in 2020 and is expected to become a super-aged community by 2056. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an ageing society is that in which seven per cent of the population is 65 years and above. The elderly population in Malaysia is defined as persons above 60 years old. In Malaysia, the retirement age is between 56 to 60 years old, while some may opt for early-age retirement, or some may still actively work after retirement age. Both the elderly and their carer need to be empowered for better healthcare provision and delivery. Normally the issues or problems related to elderly are divided in five categories i.e. health, economic, cultural, psychological, and social. In the recent budget 2023, there was no mention of allocation in terms of age-friendly facilities or infrastructures or tax incentives for the carer of the elderly.

This program encompasses three programs covering bio-psycho-social and financial well- being for the elderly people of Petaling Jaya. As our support towards UM’s tagline- “Serving the Nation, Impacting the World”, this program aims to help the community nearest to the campus ie Petaling Jaya, focusing the elderly group. This program aims to achieved the following outcomes;

Increase in physical activity that leads to improvement in self-confidence, joint mobility and reduced loneliness and social isolation
Improvement in frailty index leading to improvement in health and well-being
Improvement in the happiness index, leading to reduced loneliness, stress, and depression
Ability of participants to apply the mindfulness training and Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for self-care
Training of trainers for CBT and mindfulness that can be replicated in own families and other communities by NGO’s and stakeholders involved
Improvement in the level of knowledge and self-awareness of financial independence and safety and expenditure

Collaboration with local authorities, healthcare providers, and social organizations will be key to the success and sustainability of this program. Regular assessments and feedback from program participants will help to fine-tune the initiative to meet their evolving needs and preferences as they age.

Introducing Walking Football For Seniors Among The Community

Promoting a healthy lifestyle in the growing older population of Malaysia, where noncommunicable diseases are on the rise, is vital. To achieve this, we're introducing a convenient and enjoyable form of physical activity: walking football. In Petaling Jaya, we're forming eight teams of eight players each, aged 55 to 65, carefully screened for eligibility based on health assessments. These teams will undergo three months of training, culminating in a two-day walking football tournament. Our goal is for walking football to become the preferred sport for the elderly in our community, enabling increased physical activity, improved fitness, and body composition, enhanced mental well-being, and greater social interaction among retirees.

Health Is Wealth- Healthy Ageing For Senior Citizens Of Petaling Jaya

With a significant portion of Petaling Jaya's population aged 60 and above, addressing the health-related concerns of senior citizens is essential. Aging brings physical and mental health challenges, such as depression, diabetes, arthritis, and social isolation. This project aims to raise awareness and enhance the well-being of seniors in three phases: first, engaging stakeholders and the community to assess needs and conduct initial health evaluations; second, offering on-site programs like health talks, physical fitness modules, mindfulness therapy, and cognitive behaviour therapy by experts; and third, monitoring community participation and conducting post-program assessments. The anticipated outcomes include improved physical fitness, increased happiness, reduced social isolation, and lower stress and depression levels among senior citizens.

Financial Literacy And Wellbeing For Healthy Ageing- Community Advisory Clinic

The World Bank's 2020 report highlighted Malaysia's rapid aging as a major upcoming trend. Currently, over 7 percent of the population is aged 65 and above, making Malaysia an "aging society." By 2044, it's expected to reach 14 percent, transitioning to an "aged society," and by 2056, it will become a "super-aged society" with over 20 percent above 65. This demographic shift results from increased life expectancy and declining fertility rates, posing challenges for retirement and healthcare funding. Many retirees face financial difficulties due to inadequate savings, leading to increased government support expenditures. This project aims to raise awareness, enhance financial literacy, and provide information on potential scams to ensure financial well-being for the elderly population.

HEALTH IS WEALTH: HEALTHY AGING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS OF PETALING JAYA