KLANG, 11 JUNE 2024 – In a heartwarming display of compassion and community service, the Center for Nursing Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiTM Puncak Alam campus, organized a high-impact program aimed at empowering the elderly residents of Bait Al-Mawaddah, the Elderly Care Center of the Selangor Zakat Board.

The program, themed “Empowering Elders: Healthier Hearts, Happier Lives,” was held on June 11, 2024, and involved the participation of twenty-eight part-time Bachelor of Nursing students, thirty residents of Bait Al-Mawaddah, and two accompanying lecturers, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zamzaliza Abd. Mulud and Ms. Norfidah Mohamad, along with a guest lecturer, Ms. Nordianna Seman.

The event was designed to align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the aim of promoting good health and well-being for all. The organizers recognized the increasing vulnerability of the elderly population in Malaysia, with the nation becoming an aged society in 2021, with the elderly population reaching 7%, further increasing to 7.4% by 2023.

The program commenced with a light exercise session led by Ms Nazurah Daud, catering to the residents’ abilities and movement restrictions. This was followed by the inauguration of the Head of the Center for Nursing Studies, Dr Siti Khuzaimah Ahmad Sharoni, and a montage presentation and cake-cutting ceremony to express appreciation for all involved.

The event then delved into various activities aimed at enhancing the residents’ health awareness and well-being. Health screenings, including mental-cognitive assessments, were conducted, and informative health talks on foot care, first aid, safe environment, and fall prevention were delivered. Engaging quizzes were also organized to encourage active participation and learning among the residents.

The joy and smiles on the faces of the Bait Al-Mawaddah residents were a testament to the positive impact of the program. The event concluded with a lunch reception and the presentation of donations to the residents and the care centre’s management.

“Our goal is to cultivate a sense of responsibility and compassion among our nursing students while assisting the elderly residents in enhancing their health awareness and overall well-being,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zamzaliza Abd. Mulud, one of the lecturers involved in the program.

The organizers expressed heartfelt gratitude to the management of the Selangor Zakat Board Elderly Care Center, the sponsors, and all the individuals who contributed to the success of this meaningful event. They expressed hope that this program would be the starting point for various other future efforts to support and empower the elderly community.