As Malaysia ages, mental wellbeing must be part of the healthy ageing conversation

 

WORLD Mental Health Day, observed on Oct 10, carries the theme “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”.

It highlights the importance of listening to people with lived experience of mental health conditions and involving them in shaping more inclusive and responsive support systems.

This is particularly relevant to older adults, whose mental wellbeing can be overlooked in discussions about healthy ageing.

Malaysia’s population is ageing as improvements in healthcare and living conditions contribute to longer life expectancy. In 2026, people aged 60 and above are expected to account for 12.3% of the population, or about 4.2 million people.

Yet healthy ageing involves more than physical health and cognitive function. It also means feeling connected, valued and able to find meaning and purpose in life.

Healthy ageing goes beyond physical health

Retirement can mean losing a familiar routine or professional identity. Children may leave home, family relationships may change, and older adults may experience the loss of a spouse, close friends or independence.

These transitions can affect emotional wellbeing, confidence and a person’s sense of purpose. Although they are common experiences, older adults should not be expected to navigate them without support.

Sadness, withdrawal, loss of interest, changes in sleep or appetite, and forgetfulness are sometimes dismissed as inevitable consequences of ageing. This can cause signs of emotional distress to go unnoticed.

Growing older does not automatically mean becoming depressed or withdrawn. Depression and anxiety are mental health conditions that deserve attention and appropriate support.

Malaysian research has documented mental health concerns among older adults, reinforcing the need to recognise changes in behaviour and emotional wellbeing rather than automatically attributing them to age.

Loneliness is not the same as living alone

An older person may live independently while maintaining meaningful relationships, while someone surrounded by family may still feel isolated. Loneliness depends partly on the quality of social connections, not simply the number of people nearby.

A Malaysian study involving 2,188 older adults found that stronger social networks were associated with greater psychological flourishing, regardless of living arrangements.

Having both a strong social network and not living alone was also associated with lower loneliness and better cognitive scores. These findings highlight the importance of meaningful relationships as people age.

Bereavement can mean more than losing someone we love. For an older adult, it may also mean losing part of their identity or a long-held role as a spouse, parent or caregiver. Reduced independence can further affect their sense of purpose.

While sadness is a natural response to loss, older adults need opportunities to express their emotions and share their experiences. Families and communities should listen rather than expect them to move on or dismiss their grief as simply part of ageing.

Building a society that supports healthy ageing

Asian female doctor advice elderly patient to physiotherapist to exercise with dumbbell at home.Smiling nurse helping senior patient workout exercise to build muscle strong.Physiotherapist Nursing.

Supporting psychological wellbeing does not always require complex programmes. Small-group outings, community activities, dancing, singing and creative pursuits can encourage participation, self-expression and social interaction.

They can also provide opportunities to share memories, stimulate the mind and build meaningful connections.

Rather than focusing solely on what people may lose as they age, we should consider what helps them remain resilient, engaged and connected.

This year’s World Mental Health Day theme reminds us that listening must lead to meaningful action. For older adults, that means understanding their needs, respecting their preferences and recognising what gives their lives meaning.

Families, communities and healthcare professionals should involve older adults in decisions that affect them instead of making assumptions about what is best for them.

Support for healthy ageing must consider physical and cognitive health alongside emotional wellbeing, relationships and living environments.

Healthy ageing is not simply about adding more years to life. It is about ensuring those years are lived with connection, dignity, meaning and purpose.

If it takes a whole village to raise a child, it takes a whole village to help a person age healthily and meaningfully. 

Professor Dr Rozainee Khairudin is Head of the Department of Psychology at Taylor’s University’s School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, and Director of the Mental Health and Well-being Impact Lab.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT

- Focus Malaysia.