Kuala Lumpur:The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged Malaysia to incorporate lifestyle medicine into its healthcare system, emphasizing disease prevention to tackle challenges posed by an ageing population and the increase of chronic illnesses.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore, Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, highlighted the need for a proactive approach to ensure that increased life expectancy also translates to more years in good health. Malaysia's life expectancy is projected to reach 80 years by 2040; however, its current healthspan is only 64 years.
Dr. Abeyasinghe warned that without efforts to improve healthspan, individuals could spend over 15 years in poor health, significantly burdening the healthcare system. He emphasized that lifestyle medicine should not only encourage individuals to adopt healthier habits but also involve governments and communities in creating supportive environments for healthy living.
He advocated for access to nutritious food, safe neighborhoods, recreational facilities, and opportunities for physical activity as essential elements for helping people make healthier choices. Preventive measures, he noted, should be encouraged throughout life rather than introduced after chronic diseases or age-related health issues develop.
Highlighting the economic benefits of preventive health, Dr. Abeyasinghe cited a 2024 WHO investment case estimating that four major non-communicable diseases cost the Malaysian government RM65 billion. He stated that every ringgit invested in reducing salt consumption could yield a return of RM60 over 15 years, while tobacco control could return RM6 for every ringgit invested.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (MSLM) founder and president, Adjunct Prof Dr. Siva Poobalasingam, emphasized that preparing Malaysia for an ageing population requires a whole-of-society approach involving policymakers, healthcare professionals, workplaces, educational institutions, families, and communities. He noted that healthier ageing could reduce caregiver burden, help older people remain independent, and support a more sustainable healthcare system.
Malaysia is projected to become an ageing nation by 2030, with 15 percent of the population expected to be aged 60 and above. Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar Vice Dean for Population Health and Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Ravinder Mamtani, highlighted the importance of international collaboration to advance lifestyle medicine and improve public health. The institution developed a Certificate in Lifestyle Medicine program approved by the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine, training about 400 participants.
The three-day conference, organized by MSLM at Berjaya Times Square Hotel from October 24 to 26, carried the theme "Lifestyle Medicine The Foundation of Longevity Medicine" and focused on promoting healthier lifestyles and extending healthspan.