Students from the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at The Maldives National University (MNU) conducted a community awareness session on healthy ageing on 13 August 2025, engaging 15 community members in discussions on physical activity and preventive rehabilitation.

Four MNU students led the session, focusing on the role of regular physical activity in supporting health and wellbeing across the ageing process. The session also introduced participants to preventive rehabilitation and its contribution to maintaining health and functional wellbeing.

By combining health education with discussion of practical approaches to healthy ageing, the session provided community members with information relevant to maintaining an active lifestyle and supporting wellbeing as they age. The focus on prevention also highlighted the role of rehabilitation-related approaches not only in responding to health conditions, but also in promoting continued health and function.

For the participating students, the activity provided an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a community setting and develop experience in communicating health information to a public audience. Engaging directly with community members also supported the development of communication and health-promotion skills relevant to their future professional practice.

The initiative reflects FHS’s approach to connecting health sciences education with community engagement. Through student-led activities, the Faculty provides opportunities for students to contribute to health awareness while gaining practical experience beyond the classroom.

The session contributed to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through its focus on physical activity, preventive rehabilitation and healthy ageing. It also demonstrated the role of health sciences students in supporting community-based health education and promoting awareness of approaches that can contribute to healthier ageing.