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The Health | february, 2019
Seniors
As Malaysia
prepares itself
to be an ageing
nation where 7%
of its population
will be 65 years
and older by
2030, it is obvious
that much
thought has to be
given to grapple
with the problems
and challenges
that would arise.
at RM930 monthly, RM50, 000 in savings will only
last 4.5 years. Since the cost of living is expected to
increase in years to come, it is important to provide a
social safety net.
How to handle an increasing ageing
Ageing with grace
The ageing population of
the Land of the Rising Sun
can be made an example for
Malaysians
Malaysia’s
platinum:
defying
the odds
A
n ageing society is defined as having a
minimum seven percent of its popula-
tion aged 65 and older, while an aged
nation has 14 per cent or more in that
age group.
As Malaysia prepares itself to be
an ageing nation where 7% of its population will be
65 years and older by 2030, it is obvious that much
thought has to be given to grapple with the problems
and challenges that would arise.
It was also reported in 2017 that only 18% of
members have reached the targeted minimum savings
(RM228, 000 by age of 55) set by the EPF board. It
was also stated that more than two-thirds (68%) of
EPF members aged 54 had less than RM50, 000 in
EPF savings. With the household poverty line income
With such worrying figures, it’s only understandable
that we ought to learn from developed nations, espe-
cially Japan on how to handle an increasing ageing
population. More than 28% of Japan’s population is
now officially classified as elderly according to govern-
ment data, the highest rate in the world as the first
wave of post-war baby boomers enter old age.
The figure is the highest by far in the world. They
even celebrate ‘Respect for the Aged Day”, a national
public holiday to honour and respect the country’s
elderly citizens. It is held on the third Monday of
September each year.
Due to its shrinking population, Japan has made a
smart turn to kill two birds with one stone, Japanese
employers are seeking retirees as workers thus filling
up job openings. One factory owner raves “because
of their long working experience, [older workers]
know how the organisation works, what is expected
of them, they never come late, and they take orders
from younger people.”
Furthermore, one Japanese regional government
has started a program to match retirees with new jobs,
ensuring that they find comfortable, non-strenuous
positions, often with flexible hours.
It’s time for the Malaysian government to review
its policies, healthcare and look to our neighbour-
ing country as an example. After all, the elderly
have contributed to a now strong society, its only
right we bestow them with the best of care. — The
Health
By CHRISTINE ZOE STA MARIA
T
oday, the number of Malaysians
aged 60 years and above is esti-
mated to be 1.4 million and is
expected to increase to 3.3 million by
the year 2020. The process of ageing
in Malaysia face many stereotypes as
there are assumptions that people over
a certain age should behave and act in a
certain way.
Out of the many stereotypes and
myths of ageing, one is that ageing
causes your mind to work slower and
makes you dull, makes your creativity
decrease, causes you to have difficulty
in adapting to situations that you have
never been in before and makes you
unproductive. In reality, creativity has
no expiration date, you’ve tasted more
salt and have more experience about life
and always have the advantage saying,
“Been there, done that”. The only thing
that can create these stereotypes and
assumptions is what you believe your
capabilities are. Your age does not define
your abilities. There are many Malaysian
icons who are classified as senior citizens
and yet, they continue to provide inspi-
ration to the nation. Examples of these
inspiring figures are our Prime Minister,
Datuk Seri Mahathir bin Mohamad,
Dato’ Jimmy Choo and Tan Sri Robert
Kuok.
Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad is 93
years of age, and is the current Prime
Minister of Malaysia for the second
time. Dato’ Jimmy Choo, 70 years old,
is recognized for the creativity, quality
and style of his handmade, high-end
women’s shoes. Tan Sri Robert Kuok is
95 years old, and a business magnate/
investor with a net worth of 13.4 billion
USD. He is is known as the wealthiest
person in Malaysia.
This is proof that we are not obligated
to believe every stereotype about senior
citizens that we come across. No one
should have to feel afraid of ageing. Just
because you age, it does not mean that
you are capable of less. It actually means
that a new chapter of your life is starting
and you will get the opportunity to learn
new things. — The Health