BINTULU: As Sarawak moves steadily towards becoming an ageing society, the Rotary Club of Bintulu Central (RCBC) continues its efforts to raise awareness and drive public engagement on elderly care through its Alzheimer’s Care Project.
Building on the momentum of its 2024 webinar series, “Alzheimer’s Care ~ Understanding the Missing Pieces,” the initiative returns this year with a renewed focus on active ageing and community-based support systems.
Malaysia is expected to become an ageing nation soon, and Sarawak is at the forefront of this demographic shift.
According to data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Sarawak will be officially classified as an ageing society by 2028, with 16 per cent of its population aged 60 and above.
In some areas, such as Lubok Antu, the proportion of residents aged 65 and above already surpasses 15.1 per cent, the highest in the country.
Recognising the urgency of preparing for this shift, RCBC is hosting an online public webinar on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 8 pm to 9 pm.
The session will be led by Dr Sally Suriani Ahip, a consultant family medicine specialist and renowned advocate for geriatric care in Malaysia.
Dr Sally is the founder and clinical director of GeKo Geriatric Community Services, a pioneering initiative integrating frailty management into Malaysia’s public primary care framework.
Armed with extensive clinical and academic credentials, including a PhD in Geriatrics and Gerontology from the University of Adelaide, Dr Sally will offer practical insights on a range of ageing-related topics.
These include methods to prevent cognitive decline, healthy and purposeful ageing strategies, and the importance of government resources such as the Dementia National Plan.
The session will also touch on the essential role of family caregivers and how emotional resilience and support can be maintained throughout the caregiving journey.
“We cannot wait for miracles to happen; we must take proactive steps to prepare for the future.
“By understanding, participating, and gaining community support, we can collectively create a more inclusive, healthy ageing society,” Dr Sally said.
RCBC invites past participants of the 2024 series and members of the general public to join this meaningful session.
The initiative aims to cultivate a more dignified, vibrant, and supportive environment for older adults, while empowering individuals to take charge of their healthy ageing journey.
Registration is free and open to all.
Webinar sign-up link: https://forms.gle/ReaW7q8bHyGAUQ4LA
For more information or media inquiries, please contact RCBC at alzheimercare2024@gmail.com or their Facebook page: Alzheimer’s Care by RCBC.
