By Yashila Issabelle
The growing need for skilled and dignified elder care in Perak was the central focus of the World Elders Day Celebration held by the Association for Residential Aged Care Operators of Malaysia (AGECOPE) Perak on October 12th.
The event, held at the Royal Ipoh Club, gathered senior home operators, care professionals, and health practitioners to honour the contributions of senior citizens and align the state’s strategy with the vision of Perak Sejahtera 2030.
The event was officiated by Pn Nor Tipah Majin, Director of the Perak Welfare Department (JKM), who emphasised that as Malaysia’s population ages, Perak faces a particular urgency, recording one of the highest proportions of older adults in the country.
The Department representative underscored that strengthening the professional standards of care in senior citizen homes is now vital.
“Professional care for the elderly is no longer optional, it is essential.
“Care homes today must be centres of dignity, safety, and compassion.
“Caregivers must be skilled, well-trained, and equipped to provide holistic care that addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of every senior resident,” she stated.
Pn Nor also highlighted the critical role of preventive health measures in ensuring seniors can maintain wellness and independence for longer.
She pointed to community-based programs, regular health screenings, and active ageing activities as key components in reducing age-related decline.
“Healthy ageing begins long before dependency,” she added.
“By promoting preventive care, through proper nutrition, physical activity, and mental well-being, we can help our seniors live fuller, more active lives.”
The celebration itself featured performances and community-based programs supporting active ageing.
Long-serving caregivers were recognised for their dedication, and the event highlighted collaborative initiatives between the public and private sectors aimed at improving senior care services across the state.
The atmosphere was one of appreciation and joy among the attendees.
Several seniors expressed their happiness at being celebrated and seeing the community focus placed on their well-being.
Among the performers was an energetic Loo Mau Noi (88) who took the stage to perform.
She shared her delight following the performance, saying she, her friends and caregiver were truly happy to participate in the day’s activities.
The World Elders Day Celebration reinforced Perak’s commitment to building an inclusive, age-friendly state where every senior citizen is valued, supported, and cared for with respect and professionalism.
Dr. Vejayan Sinnasamy, AGECOPE Perak Chairperson, expressed gratitude for the continued support from JKM Perak and all partners, noting that strengthening training and professional development remains a top priority for the association.
