As Malaysians live longer, we are faced with unprecedented social welfare and health challenges. However, while the elderly population has immense medical, social and financial needs, they also have immense potential to live healthy and productive lives. Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO of Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy, and Prof Dr Tan Maw Pin, consultant geriatrician from Universiti Malaya, discuss what policies have to be in place to ensure that the elderly are supported by adequate services and facilities.