A Helping Hand For The Seniors: Empowering Golden Years With Quality Care

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is moving steadily towards an ageing society, with seniors expected to make up 15.3 per cent of the population by 2030 and one in five citizens by 2040.

This demographic shift is expected to drive a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), placing greater pressure on healthcare systems as cases of degenerative illnesses increase.

With this in mind, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) is determined to enhance affordability on common surgical and medical procedures among the elderly, enabling them to maintain their health, regain mobility and independence, while at the same time easing the strain on families and communities who provide care and support.

SMCV Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Susan Cheow said Malaysia’s transition into an ageing society is happening faster than many realise.

“At SMCV, we view this not just as a challenge but as a responsibility to lead. Through our Golden Hands for Golden Care Support Programme, we are committed to shaping solutions that provide lasting reassurance for seniors and their families,” she said.

For many seniors, delaying medical treatment often means conditions are only detected once they have progressed to a more serious stage.

They also remain among the groups with the highest unmet healthcare needs in Malaysia, with the most reported reasons for forgoing or delaying care being lack of knowledge about available healthcare and financial barriers to treatment.

“Many patients arrive at the hospital with complications that could have been avoided with earlier intervention, hence making treatment more complex, recovery longer, and the return to independent living far more difficult,” said Medical Director and Consultant Emergency Physician at SMCV Dr Wee Tong Ming.

The impact of late diagnosis is especially evident in Malaysia’s most pressing health issues. Some conditions, like heart disease, are life-threatening and remain the leading cause of death. Others, such as stroke, result in long-term disability, leaving survivors with lasting limitations that alter daily life.

Osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees, gradually erodes mobility among older adults, making even basic activities like walking or climbing stairs increasingly difficult.

Meanwhile, seemingly minor conditions such as gallstones or hernias can progress silently and later escalate into emergencies that pose greater risks in old age. 

Together, these illnesses not only shorten lives but also strip away their very own independence.

Recognising these challenges, from Sept 10 to Nov 10, 2025, SMCV is introducing their Golden Hands for Golden Care Programme, a limited-time value proposition initiative on common surgical and medical procedures to facilitate timely surgical treatment.

This programme is available for Malaysians aged 60 and above who are self-paying, focusing on procedures that address age-related conditions and help restore health, mobility and independence.

“Timely surgery changes the trajectory for many elderly patients. When we intervene before conditions become advanced, recovery is safer and faster, and patients are far more likely to keep their independence,” said Dr Wee.

The benefits of timely care extend far beyond the patient. When seniors regain their independence, families experience greater peace of mind, grandchildren enjoy more quality time, and communities remain stronger through the continued contributions of active and socially engaged elders.

Beyond surgical interventions, SMCV is also placing emphasis on post-stroke recovery, offering medical treatment to further support post-stroke patients in regaining motor control, speech and cognitive abilities.

“At SMCV, care is not only about treating illness. It is about restoring dignity, mobility, and confidence so that seniors can participate fully in family and community life,” adds Susan Cheow.

“By improving access to essential surgical treatments, we want to ensure that seniors who need help can obtain it in a timely and supportive way.”

SMCV is looking to make quality care more accessible and meaningful for seniors. For additional information, please visit the Golden Hands for Golden Care site.

Interested patients may also come to SMCV for a consultation with surgeons across the participating specialties, where eligibility will be advised by the attending surgeon.

(KKLIU Approval Number: KKLIU 3014/ EXP 31.12.2027)

-- BERNAMA

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