Sustainability
TEMIANG, NEGERI SEMBILAN, April 17, 2025 — A team of physiotherapy students from INTI International University conducted fall risk assessments for elderly residents at Mercy Convalescent and Nursing Homes Tuesday morning, part of an ongoing effort to reduce injuries among Malaysia’s aging population.
The initiative, titled “Enhancing Senior Safety,” saw 11 students and three Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (FHLS) members working directly with seniors to identify risk factors and provide personalized recommendations for preventing falls.
“Falls represent one of the most serious health threats for people over 65,” said Nithiyah Maruthey, who led the university outreach. “Even a minor fall can lead to fractures, head injuries, and a dramatic decline in quality of life.”
During the four-hour session, students divided into three groups to assess mobility, balance, and environmental hazards across the facility’s separate housing units. Residents underwent standardized tests measuring lower body strength, coordination, and reaction time.
“We’re applying evidence-based assessment tools that can predict fall risk with significant accuracy,” said one final-year physiotherapy student who participated in the program. “It’s rewarding to use what we’ve learned in class to make an immediate difference.”
The assessments were followed by interactive activities designed to engage seniors while further evaluating their movement patterns. Students also provided demonstrations of simple exercises residents can perform to improve stability.
Beyond the clinical component, the university team donated essential grocery supplies to the nursing home, addressing nutritional needs that play a critical role in maintaining physical strength and bone density.
The director of Mercy Homes expressed gratitude for the intervention, noting that fall-related injuries had previously resulted in hospitalizations among residents.
“Having specialists evaluate our seniors individually gives us specific guidance on modifications we can make to our facility and care routines,” the director said.
This community service initiative aligns with the university’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while fulfilling learning objectives for the Geriatrics and Community-Based Rehabilitation course (PTH 5225).
INTI International University’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences has indicated plans to expand similar programs to additional senior care facilities throughout Negeri Sembilan in the coming months.
