Empowering the Elderly Through Nutrition and Wellness
On October 24, 2024, the Dietetics programme at the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cyberjaya (UoC) celebrated Malaysian Dietitians' Day by focusing on addressing the pressing nutritional challenges facing our elderly population. The event, themed "Dietitians Combating Disease-Related Malnutrition: Collaborate, Screen, Support, Sustain," brought together students and faculty from the Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Health & Medical Science, and Basic Medical Sciences Programmes for a collaborative effort at Laman Khaira senior nursing facility in Precinct 16, Putrajaya.
Future dietitians in action making a difference
The activities were designed to promote holistic health and well-being among the elderly residents. The event commenced with a dynamic aerobic and low-impact exercise session led by enthusiastic Physiotherapy student volunteers, encouraging physical activity and improved mobility.
Subsequently, informative sharing sessions were conducted by experts from various fields, including Dietetics, Physiotherapy, and Geriatrics. These sessions shed light on critical issues such as malnutrition, polypharmacy, and fall prevention, empowering the facility staff with the knowledge to better care for the elderly residents.
A day of unity and compassion: UoC and Laman Khaira Join Forces
The Dietetics students actively engaged with the elderly residents, observing their mealtimes and assessing their dietary intake. They conducted simple nutritional assessments, such as reviewing their food intake and identifying potential nutrient deficiencies. This hands-on experience provided invaluable insights into the real-world challenges faced by the elderly and the role of dietitians in addressing these issues.
The event concluded with a fruitful discussion on future collaborations between the university and the facility. Both parties expressed keen interest in continuing to work together to improve the health and well-being of the elderly residents.
By working collaboratively, we can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of our elderly community. The Dietetics programme at the University of Cyberjaya is committed to training future dietitians equipped with the knowledge and skills to address the complex nutritional needs of our ageing population. Through initiatives like this, we strive to foster a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement, ensuring a brighter future for our elderly citizens.
