12/09/2025

FRIDAY | SEPT 12, 2025

10 Engineering help for elder care A T my grandfather’s care home in Penang, the staff work tirelessly to care for dozens of elderly residents. computers, these technologies can significantly reduce response times and improve outcomes. COMMENT by Turukesh Vellasamy

“By using sensor-based technologies, we can monitor vital signs, detect falls and even predict medical emergencies tools act as silent guardians, alerting caregivers and doctors to subtle health changes that may otherwise go unnoticed. before they occur. These

In Malaysia, integrating these systems into care homes can transform eldercare. Predictive monitoring will not only save lives but also alleviate the burden on overworked caregivers and healthcare facilities. It is a win-win solution, one that biomedical engineers like me are excited to explore and implement. Making a difference As a biomedical engineering student, my journey has been shaped by a deep sense of responsibility to design solutions that make a tangible difference. My recent project-based learning initiative focused on sensor-based systems for elderly care. While working on prototypes, I realised that engineering is not just about machines or circuits; it is about understanding human needs and solving problems that matter. I often reflect on the ethical implications of our work. How do we ensure these technologies are affordable for underfunded care homes in rural areas? How do we design systems that are user-friendly for elderly residents and caregivers with limited tech literacy? And most importantly, how do we maintain the dignity and privacy of the individuals these devices monitor? This is the challenge and privilege of being a biomedical engineer in an ageing society: we don’t just build devices; we build lifelines. Challenges and opportunities Despite its promise, implementing predictive health monitoring in Malaysia is not without hurdles. Cost is a significant barrier, especially for smaller care homes that struggle to afford even basic equipment. Additionally, digital literacy among caregivers and the elderly is a challenge that cannot be ignored. However, these obstacles are not insurmountable.

Yet, one incident remains etched in my memory: an elderly woman, frail but full of life, collapsed alone in her room. No one noticed for hours. When help arrived, it was too late. Stories like these are not uncommon in Malaysia’s ageing care homes, where small warning signs often go undetected until they escalate into emergencies. This is not just a personal tragedy; it is a national challenge. Malaysia is rapidly ageing. By 2044, 14% of our population will be over 65, classifying us as an “aged nation”. The implications of this demographic shift are profound: increasing demand for healthcare services, shortages of caregivers and a rise in chronic illnesses among the elderly. Unless we address these issues proactively, we risk a healthcare crisis of unprecedented scale. The question is: how can we ensure that the elderly in Malaysia live not just longer but better lives? Predictive health monitoring One potential answer lies in predictive health monitoring – a solution at the intersection of engineering and caregiving. By using sensor-based technologies, we can monitor vital signs, detect falls and even predict medical emergencies before they occur. These tools act as silent guardians, alerting caregivers and doctors to subtle health changes that may otherwise go unnoticed. For instance, wearable sensors can track heart rates and blood oxygen levels, identifying early signs of cardiovascular distress. Motion sensors in rooms can detect immobility, a key indicator of falls. Bed sensors can monitor sleep patterns and respiratory irregularities. Combined with real-time alerts sent to caregivers’ smartphones or

Predictive health monitoring is not a silver bullet but a critical step towards ensuring that our ageing population lives with dignity, independence and security. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ MOHD DIN/THE SUN

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Public-private partnerships, government grants and academic collaborations can help make these technologies accessible. For instance, Malaysia’s Health Ministry can establish pilot programmes in public eldercare facilities to test and refine these systems. Universities can work closely with hospitals and tech companies to develop cost-effective solutions tailored to our local needs. As biomedical engineers, we must also prioritise human-centred designs. It is not enough for our devices to work; they must seamlessly integrate into daily life without overwhelming users. This requires empathy, innovation and a commitment to inclusivity. Ageing is inevitable but suffering from its challenges doesn’t have to be. With the right investments and collaborations, Malaysia can set a global example in eldercare innovation. Predictive health monitoring is not a silver bullet but it is a critical step towards ensuring that our ageing

independence and security. To my fellow engineers: this is our moment to make a difference. Let’s design solutions that don’t just push the boundaries of technology but also uplift the lives of those who need them most. To policymakers and healthcare providers: invest in the future of eldercare. Support research, fund pilot programmes and ensure that these technologies reach the communities that need them. And to everyone else: let’s remember that how we care for our elders today is a reflection of the society we will inherit tomorrow. One sensor, one alert, one life saved. And these are the building blocks of a better Malaysia. Turukesh Vellasamy is a final year biomedical engineering student at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com selfish impulses. That is why relationships, especially marriage, can be challenging at times. Loving your spouse through the good and the difficult moments takes real effort. So, when you encounter differences in your relationship, don’t assume your partner isn’t your soul mate. Disagreements are natural and should be addressed but it is important to remember that we all have selfish tendencies. It is only by working through challenges together that a couple can build the deep intimacy that defines a lasting marriage. Soul mates are not discovered; they are shaped over time through mutual sacrifice, commitment and enduring love. When you find someone willing to grow with you in that way, it may just be the right match. This article is contributed by Focus on the Family Malaysia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and strengthening the family unit. It provides a myriad of programmes and resources, including professional counselling services, to the community. For more information, visit family.org.my. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

Under One Roof

Meaningful ways to support ageing loved ones Q: My wife and I are more than willing to take care of my ageing father but he has always been a proud man, and we don’t want to diminish his sense of dignity. How do we support him without making him feel like he is becoming a burden or losing his purpose?

attention to what sparks his enthusiasm and find ways to nurture that passion. Q: I have been dating a great guy for a while and I think he would make a good husband. But I am not sure if he is my “soul mate”. Should I stay in the relationship or move on and keep looking? Focus on the Family Malaysia: Before you make a decision, consider this: soul mates aren’t found; they are formed over time. David Block, a wedding videographer, explored this idea in a documentary where he revisited couples whose weddings he had filmed. He wanted to find out how their marriages had evolved in the years since their big day. He concluded that the Hollywood-driven notion of“soul mate”– the belief that there is one perfect person out there just for you – is a myth. As he put it: “A lot of marriage is coming to terms with the imperfect person you’re living with and acknowledging you’re not a perfect person either.” No one “clicks” effortlessly with another person. We are all flawed, each with our own

and share his history with children and grandchildren. Capture these stories through digital recordings, photographs or memory books to preserve them for future generations. 0 Reinvent how you celebrate memories: Celebrate even small moments. Regular affirmations of love, appreciation and shared joy help reinforce a sense of value and belonging. 0 Maintain old friendships and foster new ones: Friendships help people stay engaged and are also beneficial in coping with loss, depression and feelings of loneliness. Make it easier for your father to stay connected through phone calls, emails and regular visits. 0 Renew energy with regular exercise: Encourage light physical activities – like walking, pickleball or community exercise classes – which can improve circulation and release feel-good endorphins, improving mood and health. 0 Support volunteer opportunities: Many non-profit organisations offer meaningful volunteer roles for seniors. Helping others can give your father a renewed sense of purpose and connection. 0 Encourage latent talents: If appropriate, gently encourage hobbies like gardening, painting, writing, woodworking or cooking. Pay

Focus on the Family Malaysia: Research shows that most older people measure their worth by how well they meet three goals: 1) dependability; 2) ability to maintain close family ties; and 3) self-sufficiency. Ageing parents often don’t want to reach out for help, rely on their children or hired help in their homes. They want to do things independently and prove they are still capable and self-reliant. The key to honouring ageing loved ones lies in understanding how to support and encourage them in meaningful ways. Here are some suggestions: 0 Recognise skills and past successes: Honouring your father entails recognising not only who he is today but also his past achievements, abilities and talents. 0 Reminisce together: Help him reflect on