NHMS 2025: Only 14.7 Per Cent Malaysian Seniors Ageing Healthily, Says Dzulkefly

PUTRAJAYA,  April 20 (Bernama) -- Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2025 show that only 14.7 per cent of senior citizens in Malaysia meet key criteria for healthy ageing, highlighting significant gaps in the country’s preparedness for an ageing population.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the survey, conducted among 7,528 respondents aged 60 and above, is the second national study focusing on elderly health, following the first in 2018.

He said the criteria include strong social support, absence of cognitive limitations and depression, independence in daily activities, and either no chronic diseases or well-controlled conditions.

“These findings underline the urgent need to strengthen public health efforts and social support systems to ensure our elderly can age healthily and with dignity,” he said at the launch of the survey findings today.

Dr Dzulkefly noted that while countries like Japan and Sweden took nearly a century to adapt to ageing populations, Malaysia is expected to become an ageing nation by 2036, when those aged 60 and above will exceed 15 per cent of the population.

“The pace of ageing in Malaysia is among the fastest in the world,” he added.

He said the survey highlighted key systemic challenges, including mobility limitations, social isolation, and rising financial burdens on seniors and their caregivers.

Malaysia’s elderly population now stands at 4.1 million, with 18.8 per cent living alone, almost triple the 6.3 per cent recorded in 2018, he said, adding that transportation constraints are feared to be the main obstacle that limits their access to healthcare.

" Mobility issue is not just a logistical problem, but a critical factor that affects their quality of life and safety," he said.

However, the survey also found that 61.3 per cent of seniors living alone still reported strong social support.

On financial pressures, he said one in three caregivers faces a heavy burden involving physical, emotional and financial stress, and this is compounded by the fact that only 40 per cent of Malaysians have sufficient savings in the Employees Provident Fund for old age.

“This economic strain forces many families to prioritise basic needs, often at the expense of healthcare,” he said.

In terms of mental health, 9.8 per cent of seniors were found to have dementia, slightly higher than 8.5 per cent in 2018, while depression rates declined to eight per cent from 11.2 per cent.

Physical health indicators showed some improvement, with limitations in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) dropping to 10 per cent from 17 per cent, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) limitations decreasing to 27 per cent from 33 per cent.

However, lifestyle concerns remain, with 30.6 per cent of seniors physically inactive and 12.8 per cent engaging in high levels of sedentary behaviour. The survey also found that 45 per cent of seniors experience sarcopenia, 60 per cent are at risk of frailty, and 11 per cent are already frail.

“The conclusion is clear, we are living longer, but not necessarily healthier. The real challenge is not just disease, but gaps in our long-term care system, which is still underdeveloped and fragmented,” he said.

To address these issues, Dzulkefly outlined four strategic shifts, including moving from treatment to prevention, strengthening community-based care, and reforming long-term care financing.

Among the proposals being considered is the introduction of long-term care insurance to ease the financial burden on families, ensuring seniors can access quality care without hardship.

He also emphasised the need to strengthen senior activity centres as integrated community hubs offering healthcare, rehabilitation, social support and digital health monitoring.

In addition, Dzulkefly highlighted the importance of developing a “silver economy” to recognise seniors not just as dependents, but as valuable contributors with experience and potential in the workforce.

-- BERNAMA