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Home > JOURNAL > Vol. 4 (2015) > Number 1

 

Abstract

The United Nations (UN) defines population ageing as a demographic process in which the proportion of older persons aged 60 years and above increases in a country or geographical area. Depending on the indicators of population ageing, Malaysia is expects to reach aged nation status within the next two decades. The Department of Statistics estimates that the number of older Malaysians is projected to reach 5.1 million in 2034, making up about 15 per cent of the total population. Out of the 2.2 million older Malaysians aged 60 years and above recorded in the 2010 census, the rate of ageing differs among the Malays, Chinese and Indians. Lower fertility, longer life expectancy and emigration have accelerated the rate of ageing among the Chinese, of whom one out of eight is an aged person. This proportion is significantly higher than those of the Malays and Indians. Past studies show that the Chinese elderly are less likely than other ethnic communities to live with their adult children. With advancing age, the demand for long-term health care facilities and services will grow, especially in urban areas. The issues and challenges facing the older Chinese population are inextricably linked to their current socio-demographic and economic status. Old age does not mean frailty and passive dependency. While there has to be some rethinking in the approach of our social protection programmes as society ages, we need to place more emphasis on the empowerment of older persons and their changing roles. In view of the more rapid ageing process of the Chinese, their unique socio-economic and cultural milieu will give rise to a distinctive ageing experience that will influence and drive the social changes of Malaysia in the coming decades.

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