Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is on the brink of becoming an ageing nation. By 2030, projections indicate that people aged 60 and above will account for at least 15 per cent of the population. This demographic shift presents not only a social challenge but also a pressing national and economic issue that requires immediate attention and action.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, one of the most critical steps Malaysia can undertake is investing in appropriate elderly care facilities. This investment extends beyond merely constructing physical structures; it involves establishing a sustainable support system for an ageing society. As the population ages, there will be an increasing demand for healthcare, daily assistance, and emotional support. Without adequate planning and infrastructure, there is a risk that seniors may be left vulnerable and neglected. By investing in elderly care facilities, Malaysia can ensure that seniors receive the dignity, health support, and quality of life they deserve in their later years. These facilities also offer stability for families already juggling multiple responsibilities.
The necessity for such investment is underscored by changing social trends within families. With more women entering the workforce and pursuing higher education, the traditional expectation that daughters or daughters-in-law will care for ageing parents is becoming less feasible. As both spouses work full-time to meet the rising cost of living, the time and energy needed for full-time home care are no longer assured. Additionally, Malaysia’s declining fertility rate means that fewer children are available to shoulder the responsibility of caring for ageing parents, leading to emotional, financial, and physical pressures on caregivers. Without proper elderly care support systems, both caregivers and the elderly may face issues such as burnout, emotional distress, and neglect.
From an economic perspective, investing in elderly care centres also offers potential benefits. It could create new job opportunities and industries, necessitating more trained geriatric nurses, care assistants, physiotherapists, counsellors, and administrators. The integration of technology into elderly care could also spur innovation, with health monitoring devices, telemedicine services, and digital platforms enhancing care quality and stimulating growth in the digital economy. Thus, this investment is not solely social but economic as well.
Furthermore, investing in elderly care ensures equitable healthcare access for older Malaysians, particularly for those whose families are unable to afford private home-care services or specialised medical support. State-funded or subsidised elderly care centres could provide a crucial safety net for vulnerable groups, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, ensuring no elderly person is left behind due to financial constraints.
Culturally, Malaysia prides itself on strong family values and respect for ageing parents. However, these values must be reflected through policies and systems that genuinely protect the wellbeing of older people. By investing in elderly care, Malaysia demonstrates that it values the lifelong contributions of its ageing population.
Looking forward, elderly care should not be seen solely as a reactive measure but as an investment in national strength. Older individuals who receive proper care can continue to play meaningful roles in society through volunteering, mentoring, or part-time work. With the right support, they can be productive members of a multi-generational Malaysia, contributing their knowledge, experience, and values.
In conclusion, as Malaysia faces this demographic shift, it cannot afford to delay action until the ageing crisis becomes unmanageable. Investing in elderly care facilities is a strategic decision that protects seniors’ wellbeing, supports working families, creates economic opportunities, and upholds societal values. As Malaysia builds its future, it must remember those who built the past, ensuring they receive not only gratitude but a system that truly cares for them.