World Mental Health Day, marked on 10 October, carries the theme “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”.[1] It reinforces the importance of listening to individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions to help shape more inclusive and responsive support systems. This is particularly relevant for older adults, whose mental wellbeing can be overlooked in discussions on healthy ageing.
Malaysia’s population is ageing as improvements in healthcare and living conditions contribute to longer life expectancy. By 2026, individuals aged 60 and above are expected to make up about 12.3% of the population.[2] Yet while attention is often given to physical health and cognitive decline, mental wellbeing is equally important. Healthy ageing is also about whether older adults feel connected, valued and have a sense of purpose.
Healthy ageing is more than physical and cognitive health
Discussions about healthy ageing often focus on physical health, chronic diseases, mobility and cognitive decline. While these are important, mental wellbeing should not be treated as secondary.
Ageing can bring significant life changes. Retirement may mean losing a familiar routine or professional identity. Children may leave home, family relationships may change, and some may experience the loss of a spouse, close friends or their independence.
These transitions can affect emotional wellbeing, confidence, identity and a person’s sense of purpose. While common, they should not simply be accepted as something older individuals have to navigate alone.
Not everything is “part of getting old”
Emotional and behavioural changes are sometimes dismissed as a natural part of growing older. Sadness, withdrawal, loss of interest, changes in sleep or appetite, and even forgetfulness may be attributed to age, allowing signs of emotional distress to go unnoticed.
Growing older does not automatically mean becoming depressed, withdrawn or emotionally distressed. Depression and anxiety are mental health conditions that require attention and appropriate support.
Malaysian research has also documented depression, anxiety and stress among older adults, with some mental health concerns remaining undetected.[3] Changes in an older person’s behaviour and emotions should therefore be recognised rather than immediately attributed to age.
Loneliness is not the same as living alone
An older person may live independently while maintaining meaningful relationships, while someone surrounded by family may still feel isolated. Loneliness is shaped by the quality of social connections rather than simply the number of people around us.
A Malaysian study involving 2,188 older adults found that stronger social networks were associated with greater psychological flourishing and, in some groups, lower loneliness.[4] This reinforces the importance of meaningful connection as we age.
Ageing also means dealing with loss
Bereavement can mean more than losing someone we love. For an older adult, it may also mean losing part of their identity. Changes in long-held roles as a spouse, parent or caregiver, as well as reduced independence, can affect a person’s sense of purpose.
While sadness is a natural response to loss, older adults need opportunities to express their emotions and share their experiences. Families and communities should recognise these emotional needs rather than expecting them to move on or dismissing their sadness as part of ageing.
What can we do as a society?
Psychological wellbeing must be part of how society supports healthy ageing. Creating opportunities for older adults to remain active, connected and purposeful can help, and this does not always require complex programmes.
Small-group outings, community activities, dancing, singing and creative activities can encourage participation and social interaction. Beyond keeping older adults occupied, these experiences offer opportunities for self-expression, sharing memories, cognitive stimulation and meaningful connections.
Research into creative and social activities also points to the value of experiences that support cognitive and emotional health. Rather than focusing solely on what people may lose as they age, we should also consider what helps them remain resilient, engaged and connected.
We need to listen to older adults
This year’s theme reminds us of the importance of listening to lived experiences. For older adults, this means understanding their needs, what matters to them and what gives their lives meaning.
Rather than making decisions for them, families, communities and healthcare professionals should involve older adults in decisions that affect their lives. Supporting mental health requires a holistic approach that considers physical and cognitive health alongside emotions, relationships and living environments.
Healthy ageing is not simply about adding more years to life. It is also about ensuring those years are lived with connection, dignity, meaning and purpose. If it takes a whole village to raise a child, it takes a whole village to help a person age healthily, meaningfully and with dignity.
Professor Dr Rozainee Khairudin is Head of the Department of Psychology at Taylor’s University’s School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, and Director of the Mental Health and Well-being Impact Lab. Her work focuses on human cognition and behaviour, mental health, cognitive well-being, resilience and quality of life.
[1] https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day
[2] https://www.dosm.gov.my/uploads/release-content/file_20260731083618.pdf
