As Malaysia prepares for an ageing population, healthcare professionals face growing challenges in managing age-related conditions, preventing falls and supporting older adults in maintaining their independence and quality of life.
Recognising the importance of these emerging healthcare needs, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak (UniKL RCMP) organised the Medical Update: Focus on Geriatric Care seminar and workshop on 17 October 2026 at its campus in Ipoh, Perak.
Themed “Practical Ageing,” the full-day programme brought together 62 healthcare professionals, caregivers and students to strengthen clinical knowledge and practical skills in elderly healthcare.
The initiative was jointly organised with Prestige Fitness Ipoh Centre, the Occupational Therapy Department of Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB) and the Physiotherapy Department of UniKL RCMP, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to improving geriatric healthcare services.
The seminar provided a platform for knowledge exchange and evidence-based discussions on the medical, physical, cognitive and psychosocial challenges experienced by older adults.
In his opening address, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Hadhrami Mohd Hussain, Head of the Medicine-Based Department, Faculty of Medicine, UniKL RCMP, emphasised the growing importance of specialised geriatric care and continuous medical education in addressing the changing demands of healthcare delivery.
The morning session featured six medical specialists who shared clinical perspectives on improving elderly care, from managing chronic health risks to promoting preventive healthcare and patient-centred treatment.
Prof. Dr. Cheah Wee Kooi from Hospital Taiping discussed recent developments and clinical standards in geriatric medicine, while Dr. Nor Azlina Abu Bakar from HRPB highlighted strategies to prevent sarcopenia, age-related muscle loss and falls among older adults.
Dr. Yeat Choi Ling from HRPB explored advance care planning and alternatives to hospital admission, emphasising the importance of appropriate care pathways that consider patients’ individual needs and preferences.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Esther Ebenezer Gunaseli from UniKL RCMP addressed early identification and prevention strategies for cognitive decline, an increasingly important consideration in supporting healthy ageing.
Other sessions included vaccination strategies for older adults, presented by Dr. Marsilla Marzukie from HRPB, and the management of acute geriatric emergencies, delivered by Dr. Harnek Singh Badeshae from KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital.
Moving beyond clinical discussions, the afternoon programme introduced three interactive workshops designed to translate medical knowledge into practical healthcare interventions.
Participants engaged in cognitive assessment and therapy sessions facilitated by occupational therapists from HRPB, alongside fall risk assessment and prevention demonstrations conducted by UniKL RCMP’s Physiotherapy Department.
Instructors from Prestige Fitness Ipoh Centre also introduced tailored physical fitness routines for older adults, highlighting the role of appropriate exercise in maintaining mobility, physical strength and functional independence.
These hands-on activities reinforced the importance of integrating medical treatment, rehabilitation, physical activity and preventive care into a holistic approach to elderly healthcare.
The programme reflects UniKL’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, through its focus on preventive healthcare, healthy ageing and improved quality of life for older adults.
It further supports SDG 4: Quality Education by advancing lifelong learning and professional healthcare training, as well as SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration between academic institutions, healthcare providers and industry partners.
