Background:
At HATI, the elderly have always been close to its mission, as they are among the most vulnerable in society, often facing isolation, compromising health conditions, and limited care and support.
As of 2023, approximately 7.4% of Malaysia’s population is aged 65 and above. By 2030, The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) projects that this age group will rise to 15.3%, signaling Malaysia’s transformation into an aging nation – a transition that heightens the urgency to address the challenges faced by our elderly population.
Currently, there are around 1,700 residential care centres for the elderly in Malaysia, including unlicensed facilities. However, many of these homes face significant challenges in supporting our elderly community including:
- The high cost of preparing nutritious meals
- Health issues faced by the elderly like chronic diseases and malnutrition
- Resource constraints and a shortage of manpower in elderly welfare centres to provide customized diets and meet the health requirements of the elderly
The elderly are particularly vulnerable to both physical and mental health challenges. Associate Prof Dr Tan Kit Mun, Senior Consultant in Geriatric Medicine at PPUM, notes that around 20% of elderly Malaysians may suffer from depression, often as a result of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, Parkinson’s, dementia, arthritis, kidney problems, and diabetes. These conditions not only compromise their physical health but also increase the risk of their mental health – making the need for healthy, nourishing food more urgent than ever to support their overall well-being.
HATI’s mission:
In response to this critical need, HATI launched the Elderly Food Pack Project – a mission aimed at delivering healthier food choices to elderly residents living in selected homes and elderly care centres across Malaysia.
The food packs included carefully selected items such as:
- Brown rice
- Natural sweeteners
- High-calcium adult milk powder
- 3-in-1 herbal tea
- High fiber biscuits
Each food item was thoughtfully chosen for its nutritional value and tailored to address the unique health challenges faced by the elderly, including supporting digestion, managing blood sugar levels, strengthening bones, promoting heart health, and ensuring overall well-being. Designed to provide essential sustenance for approximately 1-2 months, the food packs offer both practical nourishment and meaningful care.
HATI’s impact:
Thanks to the kindness and generosity of donors and sponsors, HATI was able to procure the food items and successfully distributed the food packs to 215 beneficiaries from over 21 elderly homes and NGOs across several states nationwide.
Many of HATI’s elderly beneficiaries included those with health issues such as diabetes, mental disorders, visual impairment, high cholesterol, stroke, cancer, and other conditions. Together, HATI delivered not only nourishment but also a message of care and solidarity to some of the most vulnerable members of our society on behalf of caring and concerned donors and volunteers.
See below for some of the recipients of HATI’s Elderly Food Pack Project – your impact made a difference!
Join HATI in making a difference:
Every act of kindness, no matter how big or small, fuels our mission to extend hope, dignity, care, and support to those who need it most. The continued support of our donors, sponsors, and volunteers such as yourself is absolutely vital in helping HATI reach our most vulnerable and underprivileged communities with the care they deserve.
Stay connected with HATI and be part of our journey to bridge communities and spread hope. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates on the different causes HATI is championing and learn how you can be part of it!
References:
https://www.bernama.com/en/bfokus/news.php?id=2232071
HATI really need your support. The elderly need your support. Donate now to make this charity project a success.
HATI sangat memerlukan sokongan daripada anda semua. Warga emas ini memerlukan sokongan daripada anda semua. Salurkan sumbangan anda untuk memastikan projek kebajikan ini berjaya.
