KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25: As Malaysia edges closer to becoming an ageing nation, experts are calling for a stronger focus on healthspan — the years lived in good health — rather than simply lifespan.
With 16.5 per cent of the population projected to be aged 60 and above by 2040, the challenge is not just longevity, but ensuring those extra years are lived with vitality and dignity.
Recent findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) underscore the urgency: only 14.7% of older Malaysians met the criteria for “successful ageing,” while more than half of adults are overweight or obese. These trends highlight the need for proactive measures to support healthier ageing across all stages of life.
At the inaugural Healthspan Summit, organised by AMWAY in collaboration with the Malaysia Healthy Ageing Society (MHAS) recently, medical and wellness experts explored five interconnected dimensions that shape ageing well:
- Nutrition and gut health — how diet and the microbiome influence long-term wellbeing.
- Cellular health and longevity — the science of how our cells age and how to protect them.
- Cardiometabolic health — managing risks like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
- Muscle and physical function — maintaining strength and mobility to preserve independence.
- Proactive health management — regular screenings and lifestyle choices that prevent decline.
Professor Nathan Vytialingam, President of MHAS, stressed that ageing well is a lifelong journey: “Healthy ageing is not something that begins in later life; it is a journey that starts from a young age. The choices and habits we build throughout our lives shape how well we age.” He added that collaboration among healthcare, academia, and community organisations is vital for strengthening health literacy and empowering Malaysians to make informed decisions.
The summit also highlighted the importance of early action. Initiatives such as community health screenings have shown that awareness of one’s health markers can spark meaningful change, with many participants improving outcomes after follow-up checks. Experts emphasised that sustained progress requires not only awareness but consistent support and accessible pathways for healthier living.
As Malaysia’s demographic landscape shifts, the message is clear: adding years to life is not enough. The priority must be adding life to those years — ensuring older Malaysians remain active, connected, and in good health.
“Healthspan is about empowering people to take a proactive approach to their health, long before health challenges arise. Through Mission 50K, we saw how understanding one’s health can be an important first step towards change. But awareness is only the beginning. Sustaining long-term health requires knowledge, support and consistent action. Through our Healthspan Summit, ongoing initiatives, and research collaborations, we hope to carry this momentum forward by equipping more Malaysians with trusted knowledge and practical steps to live healthier for longer,” said Jason Leng, Managing Director of Amway Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.
WE