The Ministry of Health Malaysia has initiated a special program for the older persons since 1996.  The goal of the program is to achieve optimal health for the older persons through integrated and comprehensive health and health related services in-line with the National Health Policy for the Older Persons (http://fh.moh.gov.my/v3/index.php/kesihatan-keluarga/finish/10-unit-kesihatan-warga-emas/30-dasar-kesihatan-warga-emas-negara)which stated that “to ensure healthy, active and productive ageing by empowering the older persons, family and community with knowledge, skills, an enabling environment; and the provision of optimal health care services at all levels and by all sectors”.

The Objectives of the Program are:

• To improve the health status of older persons.
• To encourage participation in health promoting and disease prevention activities throughout the life course.
• To provide age friendly, affordable, equitable, accessible, culturally acceptable, gender sensitive, seamless health care services in a holistic manner at all levels.
• To advocate and support the development of enabling environment for independent living (ageing-in-place).

The Activities (Medical and Health Services):

Medical services (hospital services):

The following services are available in the hospital for the elderly:

1. Acute medical care.
2. Long-term care.
3. Planning for care after discharge from hospital
4. Psychogeriatric care.
5. Physiotherapy.
6. Occupational therapy.
7. Clinical pharmacy.
8. Counselling.
9. Medico social/welfare.

Health services (community services):

These services are provided for the elderly at the health centers:

1. Health promotion and education.
2. Health screening/assessment.
3. Medical examination, counseling, treatment and referral.
4. Home visit and home nursing.
5. Rehabilitation (physiotherapy and occupational therapy).
6. Recreational, social and welfare activities.

If you have any problem concerning you health, please go to or contact the nearest clinic for assistance / further information.

You can also visit the following websites for further information/assistance on:

Dementia / Alzheimer’s Disease:

Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation (Malaysia):

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia. It is NOT a part of normal aging, but a disease involving the progressive loss of brain nerve cells. Since these nerve cells are essential for normal thought, memory and other brain functions, people with Alzheimer’s Disease suffer a decline of mental functions which eventually interferes with the patient’s normal daily activities.

http://www.adfm.org.my/Home/foundation

Stroke:

National Stroke Association of Malaysia:

NASAM’s mission is to inform the public that there is life after stroke through proper rehabilitation and to promote the concept of stroke prevention.

http://www.nasam.org/index.htm

Diabetes Mellitus:

Malaysian Diabetes Association:

The Persatuan Diabetes Malaysia (PDM) is meant to support patients and their families, and provides useful and practical information and knowledge about diabetes and how to manage and deal with diabetes and its complications. The portal also aims to create awareness about diabetes to the general public and rectify misconceptions as well as providing prevention strategies.

http://www.diabetes.org.my/

Hypertension:

Malaysia Society of Hypertension:

The Malaysian Society of Hypertension (MSH) was officially registered under the Registrar of Society in 1993. The main aim of the society is to promote public education on hypertension, to help towards optimum control of hypertension and encouraging researches and publications towards better care in the management of hypertension.

http://www.msh.my/

Welfare services:

Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat Malaysia:

http://www.jkm.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=28&lang=ms