Chapter 15: Ageing in Malaysia.

This chapter discusses issues and policies related to ageing in Malaysia. Older persons do not yet form a large proportion of the total population in Malaysia, although in absolute terms they are fairly large. It is therefore a golden opportunity for this country to initiate policies and programmes that takes a developmental perspective involving all groups in society, young and old, in line with a caring society. Malaysia has extended community support in caring for the older persons and shares the experiences of a model which has far-reaching consequences in meeting the emotional, financial and physical care of older persons by tapping the very rich resource of the bulk of healthy older persons. The model also gives older persons a choice of continuing independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment and dignity as we progress into the twenty-first century. It is not too early for Malaysia to place such community programmes in position. Productive ageing needs the support of the whole community to succeed and will require some lead time to mature. While many people think they have some idea of the things they would like to do when they grow older, there may be insufficient programmes available to cater to the various needs. Older and younger persons can focus on initiating and providing a community support network, which is currently lacking in this country and many other regions in the world. Like purchasing insurance, subscribing to a community support network is necessary to ensure support in times of need. Each of us is special and we would be able to provide for one other and for a common good. In particular, as one grows older, besides physical and financial needs, there is also the emotional need of feeling useful and wanted.