WHILE Malaysia boast probably the most sprightly and amazing senior citizen in the world in Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed, elderly people in the country aren't faring that well as a whole.



During the launch of Hari Warga Emas Kuala Lumpur 2008 on Saturday (Oct 20), a researcher from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia said only 11% of senior citizens in Malaysia were physically, mentally and emotionally healthy.



Community Rehabilitation & Ageing Research Centre (H-Care) head Prof Dr Suzana Sahar also pointed out that by 2030, about 11% of the population would be 60 years old.



“We are heading towards an ageing population.



"From our research, only about 11% of the senior citizens are considered healthy in terms of physical, mental and emotional wellness.



“There are about 16% who suffers from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and are at risk of developing dementia,” she said, during a press conference held at the park.



Dr Suzana said there was an even higher percentage of senior citizen living in DBKL flats who suffered from MCI.



“About 20% of the senior citizens (in these flats) are suffering from MCI, and this is related to the lifestyle and the quality of their diet.



“We found through our survey that most of the flat residents consume less vegetables and fruits, and we urge them to change their diet,” she said.



Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad, who launched the senior citizen day, said the public should emulate and learn from the healthy lifestyle of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who he described as an icon of healthy aging.



“At the age of 93, Dr Mahathir is the oldest premier in the world, and yet he still goes to many countries for international conferences.



“He eats enough and does not overeat. We should learn from his healthy lifestyle.



“We should take care of our diet and eat moderately as it contributes to healthy aging,” he said, during his opening speech during the launch of Hari Warga Emas Kuala Lumpur 2018.



Khalid said DBKL would take into consideration the research done by H-Care when doing town planning.



“Buildings and public places will include more senior citizen-friendly facilities to ensure a better quality lifestyle,” he said.



Organised by Community Rehabilitation & Ageing Research Centre (H-Care), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and in partnership with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the programme held at Bukit Jalil recreational park, Kuala Lumpur aimed to raise awareness on care for senior citizen and healthy ageing.