The Hulu Langat "Warga Emas" initiative: beyond being healthy and fit

Abstract

Ageing is one of the most critical and traumatic periods of the human life. This negative view of ageing has been linked to the increasing trend in morbidity of chronic diseases and unresolved social handicaps involving the elderly. This situation is made worse with the nature of most medical programmes that do not cater to the needs of this group of people. In a bid to address this issue, the UKM medical centre, through its Community Health Department has developed a smart partnership with the Hulu Langat Senior Citizen Society to establish a learning, teaching and service module which involves more than 300 of the society's members who are above the age of 55. This partnership was formed since the early 90s, and has since been formalised with a Memorandum of Understanding on the 7th of March 2012. The initiative aims to construct a social platform that will enable the group of elderly citizens, regardless of their gender and ethnicity, lead a healthy and productive lifestyle. This programme is run by dedicated staff members from the University's medical centre to engage senior citizens in the surrounding community to lead a healthy and productive lifestyle through various participative approaches and activities. The staff members play the role of advisor and driver. Activities and events done through this initiative stand to benefit not just the individual, but is also extended to the surrounding community. Currently, a special squad is being organized to look into the different areas the group can contribute, namely in the areas of organic farming, spiritual assistance, welfare assistance, charity activities and education through the use of information technology. The ultimate vision is to establish a model resource center using these more experienced individuals that can holistically cater to the life and development of the elderly community. Several modules and programmes are being planned to ensure to make this a reality.