About 85.3% of Malaysia’s senior citizens are not ageing healthily, according to findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2025.
The NHMS, conducted nationwide by the Institute for Public Health (IKU) under the Health Ministry, provides key data on the health status of Malaysians. The 2025 edition marks the second assessment of older persons aged 60 and above, following its inaugural review in 2018.
According to the NHMS 2025, only 14.7% of senior citizens meet the criteria for healthy ageing, based on a survey of approximately 7,528 respondents.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad explained that “healthy ageing” is defined by five strict criteria: strong social support, absence of cognitive impairment such as dementia, freedom from depression, independence in daily activities, and either the absence of chronic diseases or well-controlled conditions.
“If only 14.7% are ageing healthily, the rest are battling chronic disease and frailty,” said Dzulkefly when launching the NHMS 2025 findings yesterday.
“Chronic diseases among seniors are increasing, with 39% having diabetes, 73% having hypertension and 76% having high cholesterol,” he added.
The Health Ministry further noted that 68% of seniors are living with at least two of these three chronic conditions, while 30% are affected by all three, describing the trend as concerning and requiring comprehensive intervention strategies.
While the survey recorded a decline in depression among older persons – from 11.2% in 2018 to 8% in 2025 – dementia showed a slight increase, rising to 9.8% in 2025 from 8.5% in 2018.
“This is closely linked to other factors, particularly non-communicable diseases that are not well controlled,” said Dzulkefly.
“Conditions such as poorly managed Type 2 diabetes and hypertension can lead to vascular complications, including multiple micro-infarcts in the brain, which may contribute to memory loss and dementia.
“If these conditions are not properly managed, we are concerned that dementia cases may rise as a result.
“To address this, particularly in managing dementia, we are strengthening and advancing our health policies through a more comprehensive approach.
“This includes the National Ageing Blueprint Malaysia and the Health Care for the Elderly Action Plan 2023-2030, as well as the National Dementia Action Plan 2023-2030.”
He also cautioned on what he described as the “silent killer” of physical decline among older adults.
“The survey found that 30.6% of our senior citizens are physically inactive.
“45% are now experiencing sarcopenia or severe muscle loss, while another 60% are at risk of frailty or physical fragility.”
NHMS 2025 Reveals Alarming Trends in Malaysian Senior Health
The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2025 has painted a concerning picture of ageing in Malaysia, with over 85% of citizens aged 60 and above failing to meet the Health Ministry’s criteria for healthy ageing. Conducted by the Institute for Public Health under the Ministry of Health, the survey assessed approximately 7,528 older adults across the nation between July and September 2025, focusing on physical, mental, and social domains of health.
According to verified findings from the Institute for Public Health, the NHMS 2025 defines healthy ageing through five interconnected pillars: sustained social engagement, absence of cognitive decline, freedom from depressive symptoms, functional independence in daily living, and effective management or absence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Only 14.7% of surveyed seniors satisfied all five conditions simultaneously.
The survey’s scope aligns with Malaysia’s national preparation for ageing society status, projected for 2030 when 15% of the population will be aged 60 or older. This demographic shift has prompted increased surveillance through NHMS cycles, with the 2025 edition representing a follow-up to the inaugural older persons’ health assessment conducted in 2018.
Chronic Disease Burden and Multimorbidity Among Older Malaysians
Non-communicable diseases remain the predominant health challenge for Malaysian seniors, with NHMS 2025 data showing that 39% of respondents had diabetes, 73% suffered from hypertension, and 76% exhibited high cholesterol levels. These figures represent a significant public health burden, particularly given the high prevalence of overlapping conditions.
The Health Ministry’s analysis revealed that 68% of older adults live with at least two of these three major chronic conditions, while nearly one in three (30%) experience all three simultaneously—a state termed multimorbidity. This clustering increases vulnerability to complications such as cardiovascular events, kidney disease, and cognitive impairment, necessitating integrated care approaches.
Verified clinical assessments conducted during the survey included finger-prick blood sampling for glucose and lipid profiles, blood pressure measurement, and evaluations for sarcopenia through handgrip strength tests and muscle mass analysis. These objective measures were complemented by self-reported data on medication adherence and lifestyle factors.
Mental Health Trends Present Mixed Progress
While physical health indicators present significant concerns, the NHMS 2025 documented some improvements in mental health outcomes among older Malaysians. The prevalence of depression decreased from 11.2% in 2018 to 8% in 2025, suggesting potential benefits from increased awareness, screening initiatives, or access to psychosocial support services.
Conversely, dementia prevalence showed a modest increase, rising from 8.5% in 2018 to 9.8% in 2025. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad linked this trend to poorly managed vascular risk factors, noting that uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension can cause small vessel brain damage over time, contributing to vascular cognitive impairment and increasing dementia risk.
The Minister emphasized that this connection underscores the importance of early and sustained management of non-communicable diseases not only for physical health but also for preserving cognitive function in later life.
Physical Inactivity and Frailty Identified as Silent Threats
A particularly troubling finding from NHMS 2025 was the high level of physical inactivity among older adults, with 30.6% reporting no regular exercise or sufficient daily movement. This sedentary behavior correlates strongly with accelerated muscle loss and functional decline.
As a direct consequence, 45% of surveyed seniors were found to have sarcopenia—defined as severe age-related muscle loss—while an additional 60% were classified as being at risk of frailty, a syndrome characterized by reduced physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors.
Clinical evaluations during the survey included the 30-second chair stand test to assess lower body strength, grip strength measurements via dynamometer, and estimations of muscle mass percentage through bioimpedance analysis. These tools help identify early signs of physical deterioration before irreversible disability occurs.
The Minister described physical inactivity as a “silent killer” due to its insidious progression and strong association with loss of independence, increased fall risk, and higher healthcare utilization among older populations.
Policy Responses and National Strategies for Healthy Ageing
In response to the NHMS 2025 findings, the Malaysian Health Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to several national frameworks aimed at improving outcomes for older citizens. These include the National Ageing Blueprint Malaysia, which provides a long-term vision for ageing-in-place, social inclusion, and accessible healthcare services.
Complementing this overarching strategy are two time-bound action plans: the Health Care for the Elderly Action Plan 2023-2030, focused on strengthening primary and community-based care delivery for seniors, and the National Dementia Action Plan 2023-2030, which seeks to improve early detection, caregiver support, and dementia-capable health systems nationwide.
These policies emphasize preventive care, regular health screening, promotion of physical activity tailored to older adults, and integration of social services with clinical interventions. The Ministry has called for coordinated action among government agencies, healthcare providers, researchers, and community leaders to address the multifaceted challenges highlighted by the survey.
The NHMS 2025 data collection concluded in September 2025, with findings officially launched shortly thereafter. The next NHMS cycle is expected to follow the established periodic schedule, though specific timing for future older persons’ health assessments has not been officially announced as of the latest verified sources.
For ongoing updates on NHMS publications, methodology details, and related public health initiatives, Malaysians and international observers can refer to the Institute for Public Health’s official portal, which hosts downloadable reports, fact sheets, and infographics from previous and current survey cycles.
As Malaysia advances toward its ageing society milestone, the NHMS 2025 serves as both a diagnostic tool and a call to action—revealing where systems are succeeding and where urgent intervention is needed to ensure that longevity is accompanied by vitality, dignity, and well-being in later life.