MALAYSIAN consumers have a clear vision of what healthy ageing means with the confidence to age healthily as well.
However, as revealed by Herbalife Nutrition's 2020 Asia Pacific Healthy Ageing Survey, the fear of falling ill due to lower immunity remains the top worry.
The survey, which hoped to shed light on consumers' ageing-related fears, concerns, confidence levels and actions, polled equal numbers of Generation Z (18-23 years), Millennials (24-39 years), Generation X (40-55 years) and Boomers+ (55 years and above) in 11 markets including Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
"This is the third edition of our survey designed to uncover concerns about ageing across demographic groups and markets in Asia Pacific, the region with the highest average life expectancy in the world," says Herbalife Nutrition Malaysia general manager and director, Steven Chin.
The findings show that many people worry about falling ill due to lower immunity as they age – a likely result of their changing health concerns due to the ongoing pandemic.
Additionally, consumers in the Malaysian market, where an ageing population is particularly notable, have higher levels of confidence in their ability to age healthily compared to their Southeast Asian counterparts.
Chin says according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the country is expected to become an ageing society by 2030.
With the estimation that 7.2 per cent of the population will be 65 and older by next year, healthy ageing should be addressed and articulated to protect the elderly by implementing preventive public health measures such as promoting a healthy lifestyle.
"Having this in mind, we should deepen our awareness about the need to take steps towards healthy ageing early on in life," he says.
DEFINING HEALTHY AGEING
When asked to define healthy ageing in more tangible terms, Malaysian consumers painted a positive picture.
Respondents shared that healthy ageing is about not suffering from any chronic or acute illness (62 per cent), being mentally active and sharp (59 per cent), not being a burden to their family as they age (52 per cent), living a free and independent life (51 per cent) and being physically active (49 per cent).
But Chin says healthy ageing is much more than just ageing with limited ailments. It is about ensuring a good quality of life in terms of physical, spiritual, social and mental well-being – and this can be achieved through kickstarting our healthy ageing journey early with positive lifestyle changes.
Over half (64 per cent) of Malaysian consumers believe that discussions on how to age healthily should begin between the ages of 30 and 49. The most common reason given for postponing discussions about ageing was that they are still young, followed by prioritisation of their present health and lifestyle.
For those who are concerned about ageing, two-thirds (64 per cent), started to have concerns between the ages of 30 and 59, with bone-and joint-related issues topping the list of specific health concerns, followed by eye-related and heart-related issues.
Only 28 per cent of Asia Pacific consumers expressed confidence in their ability to age healthily. The survey results indicate that consumers in Malaysia (44 per cent) are generally more confident.
The majority of Malaysian consumers understand the importance of healthy ageing, with nearly 9 in 10 consumers (88 per cent) having taken steps to age healthily. These include:
*Making better nutrition choices (79 per cent).
*Engaging in more regular physical activities (56 per cent).
*Engaging in mentally-stimulating activities or hobbies (54 per cent).
*Going for more regular health check-ups (50 per cent).
*Taking supplements that promote healthy ageing (48 per cent).
Chin says while growing old is inevitable, active steps can be taken to help us age healthily. Having the right nutritional habits accompanied by regular physical activities will put us on the right track for healthy ageing.