Malaysia is going towards an ageing society. In 2022, seniors aged 65 and above constitute 7.3% of the nation’s total population, and the old age population is increasing every year; the population aged 60 years and above is projected to be 1 in 5 in 2040. Seniors are more susceptible to diseases and double burden of malnutrition; attributed to ageing-related physiological changes, impaired dietary intake and economic status. As ageing progress, changes in physiological system which are inevitable also increase the risk of functional & mobility decline in later years. The high prevalence of malnutrition, increase risk of frailty and NCDs among ageing population and the accompanying physical, social, cognitive and psychological challenges require additional attention and preventive measures.

The Committee of EHASS believes that a holistic community educational programme will help in increasing the awareness on positive healthy ageing, and empowerment on elderly health issues, thus better prepare the public to age positively, healthily and remain active in their twilight years, as well as reducing the prevalence of preventable diseases. Through the PHAP initiative, a sustainable and multi-faceted educational programme covering several pillars that are of critical concerns for elderly health and healthy ageing will be implemented through multi-disciplinary, multi-channel public educational activities.