Today, I am honored to be invited to witness the closing ceremony at the “Golden Years Mental Wellness Fair” organised by Bodhi Counseling. It is also good to see the different partners here including Mental Health Association Sarawak(MHAS), Hospital Sentosa, Grace Centre, St Joseph Counselling, Befrienders Kuching, Sarawak Women For Women Society(SWWS), Pusat Perkhidmatan Warga Emas(PAWE) and many others. This gathering is not just an event; it is a celebration of resilience, community, and the importance of mental wellness in our golden years.
Recent estimates from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM) indicate a rise in the composition of individuals aged 65 and over, increasing from 7.2% in 2022 to 7.4% in 2023, encompassing approximately 2.5 million people. This shift underscores Malaysia’s experience of an aging population.
Furthermore, DoSM projects that by 2040, Malaysia’s demographic landscape will witness a nearly equal distribution between the young (18.6%) and the older population (14.5%). The elderly demographic is anticipated to surpass six million, marking a transition for Malaysia into an aged society
As we navigate the later chapters of our lives, it is crucial to recognize that mental health is just as significant as physical health. The journey through aging can present numerous challenges, but it can also be a time of remarkable growth and discovery.
In Malaysia, particularly in Sarawak, we are witnessing an increasing awareness of mental health issues, but there is still a long way to go.
According to a recent study by the National Health and Morbidity Survey, approximately 29% of Malaysians aged 60 and above experience some form of mental health challenges, such as depression or anxiety. In Sarawak, many older adults still face stigma around mental health, limiting their willingness to seek help. We must work together to shift this narrative and create an environment where seeking help is seen as a strength.
The elderly may experience mental health challenges due to many factors, including the “empty nest syndrome” or where their children leave home to work and they feel quiet and lonely. Many are experiencing financial or even health problems that creates aditional stress to them.
That is why there is strong need to address some of these core issues and more importantly build a more caring community here in Kuching where each and everyone of us can help someone.
Research shows that maintaining strong social connections can significantly alleviate feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
Let’s take a moment to look around and find someone new to chat with today. Share a story, a laugh, or even a moment of quiet understanding. Creating relationships is a powerful tool in maintaining not just our mental health, but our joy and fulfillment as we age.
Let’s also remember that it’s okay to seek help and support when we need it. There is no shame in reaching out to a friend, a family member, or a mental health professional.
In recent years, Sarawak has seen initiatives like community mental health screening programs aimed at educating and providing support to seniors. Today’s fair is filled with resources – take advantage of them. The more we share our stories and support one another, the stronger our community will become.
As we progress through today’s events, I want to leave you with a thought: Embracing mental wellness doesn’t mean we won’t face challenges. Rather, it equips us with the strength to respond to life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience. Let’s commit to making mental wellness a priority—not just for ourselves, but for one another.
Let’s make the most of our time together and support each other on this vital journey.