A student-led initiative from IMU University combines health education, stretching exercises, and creative art activities during an outreach visit to Rumah Charis Elderly Home.

On 2 January 2026, students from the School of Pharmacy, IMU University, carried out a meaningful community engagement initiative at Rumah Charis Elderly Home, located in Taman Lucky, Kuala Lumpur. The programme was conducted under the guidance of Project Advisor, Dr Liew Yun Khoon (Dr Louis), whose strong dedication to health promotion and community outreach was evident throughout the day’s activities.

In addition, Prof Wong Pei Se and A/Prof Dinesh Kumar Chellappan also provided facilitation and supervision during both the preparatory phase and the actual visit to the community partner’s home. This outreach aimed to promote holistic health awareness among the elderly residents through education on personal hygiene, nutritional support, physical activity, and emotional well-being, while fostering meaningful connections that reflect the students’ commitment to service learning and social responsibility.

The programme began with a shared breakfast session, following a prior request from the elderly residents, who expressed their appreciation for having enjoyable and nourishing meals as part of the visit.

This informal setting allowed students to conduct ice-breaking activities, engage in friendly conversations, and build meaningful rapport with the residents.

Following the meal, a guided seated stretching session comprising 15 simple exercises was conducted with active participation from the elderly residents. The session was carried out in an energetic yet safe manner to promote alertness, improve circulation, and prepare the body for subsequent learning activities.

This session played an important role in reducing post-meal lethargy and enhancing participants’ physical readiness, ensuring that the remaining educational and interactive sessions could be conducted effectively.

Preparing the body through light physical movement was emphasised as an essential step before learning, supporting both physical comfort and mental engagement.

The programme continued with a short information-sharing session focusing on good laundry practices and vitamin C awareness.

Prior to the commencement of the session, a brief pre-questionnaire was administered to assess the elderly residents’ baseline understanding, with students providing assistance to ensure that all participants were able to take part comfortably.

To support effective learning and accessibility, an A3 poster presenting the key lecture content was displayed at the front and sides of the venue, ensuring clear visibility for all residents throughout the session.

Following the session, a post-questionnaire was conducted to evaluate participants’ understanding after the lecture, with students again offering verbal guidance where needed to ensure inclusivity and engagement.

The highlight of the programme was a creative Blowing Blossom Painting session, designed to stimulate cognitive function while enhancing creativity and self-expression among the elderly residents.

This engaging activity required participants to plan the use of colours, direct their blowing technique, and create unique flower-like patterns, promoting hand-eye coordination and active mental engagement. Materials were thoughtfully prepared by the students to ensure the activity ran smoothly, allowing residents to focus fully on the creative process.

Beyond cognitive stimulation, the activity also supported emotional well-being by fostering a sense of accomplishment and boosting confidence, as participants witnessed their artistic creations take shape.

The finished artwork was intended to serve either as a decorative piece for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations or as a personal keepsake, reinforcing the meaningfulness of their effort.

Following the session, residents were invited to rate their feelings using a simple mood scale, providing insight into the positive impact of the activity on their overall emotional state.

The outreach event at Rumah Charis Elderly Home highlighted the IMU School of Pharmacy students’ ability to integrate health education with interactive, creative, and holistic learning approaches for elderly residents.

Through thoughtfully planned activities including guidance on personal hygiene and good laundry practices, education on vitamin C supplementation, guided stretching exercises, and the Blowing Blossom Painting session the students addressed the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of the participants. These efforts reflected a deep-seated commitment not only to promoting health awareness but also to fostering engagement, confidence, and a sense of belonging among the elderly residents.

This initiative underscores the IMU School of Pharmacy’s dedication to community engagement and its broader mission of supporting holistic healthcare for all age groups. It stands as a testament to the transformative potential of student-led initiatives, where academic knowledge is applied with creativity, empathy, and innovation to create meaningful impact.

By facilitating physical activity, mental stimulation, and emotional expression, the students exemplified the core values of empathy, civic responsibility, and collaborative care, while simultaneously gaining invaluable hands-on experience in geriatric health promotion, teamwork, and leadership.

Rumah Charis Elderly Home also benefited from a more engaged and active resident population, improved self-care practices, and an enhanced activity programme that supports a positive living environment.

At the same time, IMU staff, particularly project advisors, were afforded the opportunity to mentor students, strengthen academic-community partnerships, and promote initiatives that reflect the School’s commitment to societal well-being and health awareness.

In closing, the visit to Rumah Charis Elderly Home stands as a powerful testament to the IMU School of Pharmacy’s unwavering commitment to community engagement and the promotion of holistic healthcare.

Guided by Dr Louis, the students demonstrated remarkable dedication in supporting the physical, nutritional, and emotional well-being of the elderly residents through a series of interactive and educational activities.

From guided stretching exercises and hygiene education to discussions on vitamin C supplementation and the creative Blowing Blossom Painting session, the students applied innovative and compassionate approaches to engage, educate, and empower the participants.

The heartfelt appreciation expressed by the residents, along with the reflective insights shared by the students, highlighted the meaningful and lasting impact of the initiative. This visit exemplified the transformative potential of student-led outreach, fostering a culture grounded in empathy, collaboration, and service.

By combining academic knowledge with genuine care and creative engagement, the IMU School of Pharmacy students not only enhanced the well-being of the elderly residents but also left an enduring impression on the community, demonstrating the profound role of compassion and human connection in promoting holistic health.

Written By BP123 Students

• Roshan A/L Paramasivan  
• Chin Zhi Quan  
• Lim Zhi Yi  
• Ling Zhen

• Wajehah Binti Ramzan  
• Fong Zi Jing
• Hong Ying Xin
• Goh Shyan Nee

• Katrina Lee Pui Ting
• Tong Yee Xuan
• Qi Qi Chong Xiao Qi