This past few weeks has been hectic as various public and private stakeholders are ramping up their efforts towards healthy ageing. I have been really privilege and honoured to be invited to a few conferences to share my heart and our work at PROAGE with industry partners.

In a conference "Malaysian Healthcare & Private Pension" there was much interest in the 1Care plan for Malaysia. Interesting developments and the day after the conference, the headlines read "RETIREMENT AGE UP TO 60". Amazing stuff! It was indeed apt as it was just after the conference and I was glad that our neighbour country is moving to cater for an ageing workforce. I am sure there will be more moving forward in that country. Well at another conference, I was glad to meet and hear from world renown advocates for ageing issues with the same heart for the people in need.

Many asked why am I doing what I do at PROAGE. Many probe into the unlikely relation between my age, the work I do and the "healthy ageing" cause that I advocate. To that I reply, "I am sick and tired of seeing people heading into nursing homes and/or living a life depressed and suffer from conditions that can in fact be PREVENTED. There are things we can impact to our healthcare system, approach and societal perceptions". This is by no means to say that nursing homes are bad, there is a necessity for it, but people need choices and be provided opportunities to age happy and healthy!

At this juncture, I would like to share about something I firmly believe in and perhaps forward looking to you. Point to me, a well-run day care or nursing home, and we have many...But how many facilities, especially day care actually get their clients well again? Those that go in frail or are stricken with chronic disease...Would they stand a chance to be independent again?? Are they given the opportunities to live live HEALTHY AND HAPPY? Could we actually have a concerted effort to integrate them back into community and family? I have seen too many people going into day care centres and nursing home never to return home. They get worse and are unstimulated simply sitting there. Even activities such as counting beans are ridiculous.

Imagine if people going to day care and nursing homes started checking out? They can then be part of the community at large and staying healthy through health promotion activities that are available in the community. Like a hotel, after using services they are good and independent and they CHECK OUT! That'll change the mindsets of healthcare providers, practitioners and society. A transformation indeed :)

Blessings,
Isaiah Chng

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