THE HEALTH | JANUARY-FEBRUARY , 2022

Malaysians , especially adults , encounter various health problems such as obesity , diabetes and many more . The world witnessed travel restrictions , moving from one place to another , which triggered more initiatives to fulfil society ’ s daily needs . In this scenario , we need to look towards how extensive technology has been adopted in the interest of health .

Initiating from the first known industrial revolution through the expansion of steam engines and waterpower , mechanised production and then moved into electricity usage in the industrial revolution 2.0 and allowed mass production with assembly lines . Then we saw integrated circuits with computer technology used to automate processes in Industrial Revolution 3.0 . The world is now looking into Industrial Revolution 4.0 , which intensifies automation via the Internet of Things ( IoT ).

All these features are now even used in smaller-sized gadgets such as smartwatches . Smartwatches are used regularly by athletes , players , workers , and typically the younger generation , monitoring their daily activities . The activities include working , sleeping , exercising , cycling , swimming and even at rest .

Importance of technology

The development of smart sensors with several automation detections that would read the human body composition such as fat , muscle reading , oxygen level , stress

BY DR NUR AZAM ABDULLAH

Technology has taken centre grade nowadays , making it more comfortable and more straightforward to do our daily routines than when our parents fared in their time . ” index , blood regulatory is no more a joke since the industrial revolutions emerged in our lives . Naturally , people are further motivated to propel themselves when they can visually observe their exercise levels . Most smartwatches with fitness capabilities will offer a heart rate monitor . It can assist users in staying on track with exercise and make sure they do not over-train .

Technology has taken centre grade nowadays , making it more comfortable and more straightforward to do our daily routines than when our parents fared in their time . Nevertheless , is there any inference to drive the generation gap much more significant , particularly when technology evolves drastically from time to time , neglecting our parents ?

Dasar Warga Emas Negara mentions that population ageing transpires when the percentage of residents aged 60 years and above has reached 15 per cent of the total residents . For Malaysia , it is expected that by 2045 , the number of those aged 60 and above will equal the number of young people , with each group representing 20 per cent of the country ’ s total population . These older people will suffer from loneliness syndrome , and this condition needs special attention as it can affect the emotional stability , health and economy of the elderly . A report by the United Nations in 2007 states that seniors in Malaysia will double from seven per cent to 14 per cent in 28 years compared to Sweden , which took 112 years for the same change .

Incentives must be revised

With the evolution of technology through smartphones , the industries have become more inventive by designing smartphones that consist of several digital applications- Apps such as free fitness trackers integrated with smartwatches . In that sense , the smartwatch will assist the older generation in building and preserving healthy practices ; specific exercise challenges ; personalised insights , such as sleep records and wellness briefs ; and mindfulness programs to support respiration down and soothe their mind . At the same time , their stress level would be under control .

Malaysia must revise the incentives given to this nation by encouraging a healthy lifestyle such as fitness programs for the youths and not forgetting the elders . The government should follow our neighbouring countries such as Singapore , which introduced several campaigns to promote a healthy lifestyle , including giving free smartwatches for those 60 years and above .

The motivation would be delivered through tax exemption , especially for sport and digital smartwatches , to encourage people to buy gadgets and monitor their health progression . For the record , Malaysia started the Walk 10,000 Steps campaign in 2009 , initially targeting women aged 18 and above as this group is a less active group than men .

Several campaigns of challenging their fitness achievement such as maintaining the 10,000 steps a day for a month would be organised , and incentives such as discounts and shopping vouchers for healthcare products once they succeed in completing the task .

It could become a new norm to instil a healthy Malaysian culture . — The Health

Dr Nur Azam Abdullah is Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , Kulliyyah of Engineering , International Islamic University Malaysia .