BY 2040, the number of Malaysians aged 60 years and above is expected to double from the current estimate of 10.3 per cent of the population!
Recognising the importance for Malaysia’s aging population to maintain their musculoskeletal health, which can affect their mobility, flexibility, balance and thereby quality of life as they age, Fonterra Brands Malaysia through its adult nutrition brand Anlene™ has introduced ACTIFIT 3X™ and GOLD 5X™, formulated to provide important nutrients for Malaysian adults.
The Social Wellbeing Research Centre at Universiti Malaya projected the number of Malaysians aged 60 years and above to reach 6.3 million in 2040, which is about two out of every 10 Malaysians. Not only is our ageing population increasing rapidly, but the life expectancy of our silver population is also expected to increase – men whose age reached 65 years in 2019 are expected to live a further 14.8 years to nearly 80; and women aged 65 last year are expected to live a further 17.8 years to about 82 years.
Megawati Suzari
According to Dr Nor I’zzati Saedon, who is consultant geriatric and senior lecturer of internal medicine at University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), musculoskeletal health is one of the key factors in enabling people to live their lives independently and it starts with building and maintaining bones, muscles and joints that will continue to be strong for many years ahead.
The musculoskeletal system provides form, support, stability, and movement to the body. It is made up of the bones of the skeleton, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissue that supports and binds tissues and organs together.
“It is easy for middle aged adults in their 40s to not notice their own musculoskeletal health when they don’t have any condition, such as pain resulting from injury or bad posture. Being able to walk requires strength, flexibility and balance.
In terms of nutrition, Megawati Suzari, Director of New Product Development, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs at Fonterra Brands Malaysia which markets Anlene™, highlights the importance for middle aged adults to care for their mobility via maintaining strong bones, joints and muscles, which are also necessary for active living and healthy aging.
“On top of improving lifestyle by becoming physically active, adopting a good dietary habit is equally important,” Megawati says.
