On 7th December 2024, the Master in Public Health (MPH) students from the 2024/2025 cohort teamed up with the Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (PAWE) to host an engaging event at PAWE Sri Satok, Kuching. Titled “Prevent Frailty: Building Resilience, Wellness, and Connection,” the program aimed to create an age-friendly community by raising awareness about frailty prevention and promoting healthy lifestyles through early screening, physical activity, balanced nutrition, and social interaction.
Bringing Awareness to Frailty Prevention
The event welcomed 39 participants, all over the age of 60, from PAWE Sri Satok. The day began with an informative talk designed to simplify the concept of frailty and explain its impact on aging. Participants learned about the stages of aging, the potential health challenges associated with frailty, and how to work towards healthy aging to reduce these risks.
Comprehensive Health Screenings
Throughout the event, attendees benefited from various health screenings, including:
- BMI measurements
- Blood glucose checks
- Blood pressure readings
- Cataract and hearing assessments
Additionally, frailty screenings helped participants identify their risk factors, enabling them to take proactive steps to address these issues.
Nutrition and Exercise for Seniors
In small group sessions, participants received practical nutritional advice tailored for older adults. Our nutritionist, Dr. Law Leh Shii, delivered these sessions with an engaging and approachable style, highlighting the crucial role of diet in maintaining overall health.
Physical activity demonstrations focused on strength and balance exercises that are fun, practical, and easy to incorporate into daily routines. These exercises aim to prevent falls, increase mobility, and build resilience against frailty.
Community and Private Sector Collaboration
The event’s success was amplified through collaboration with private sector partners, including Pusat Dialisis Cahaya, Wija Pharmacy, Hearing Concept, AztraZeneca, and Summit Terumo. These partners offered services such as hearing consultations, medication management, home nursing advice, and blood pressure monitoring.
A Commitment to Healthy Aging
The program concluded with a wrap-up session led by the project supervisors, emphasizing key takeaways: the importance of regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, early screening, and building meaningful social connections.
This initiative showcased how community engagement and collaboration can enhance the quality of life for older adults. By addressing frailty prevention through education, health services, and social support, the event left a lasting impact on both the participants and the broader community.
Together, we can build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities for our aging population.
