Page 105 - KCMAGAZINE 20230717

in many third world countries. The lack of social care coincides with
social isolation. As they have nothing to live for, some feel lonely and
express the desire for death.

Secondly, the family. Family members have a responsibility to
provide or care for the old. This can come in two forms, the elders might

live alone but are financially dependent, or they could co-reside with
their family. Either way, we can deduce that most are not financially
independent.

More often than not, financial dependency is detrimental to
empowerment. Sure, filiality is held in high regard in many cultures.
Realistically speaking, however, being dependent on your children

might result in a shift in power within the household. Being able to
stand on one’s own two feet maintains a person’s pride and social
standing. This is why many old people work past the retirement age to
avoid relying too much on their children.

At the same time, the world is gradually moving towards the According to Malaysia’s Ageing Population Trends, the percentage of senior
sub-replacement fertility phase. The result is a high dependency ratio, citizens is projected to reach 16.3% of the total population by 2040.

where those of working age bear a greater burden in supporting the
elderly. Economies with high dependency ratio will not perform well However, there is hope. Economic development coincides with the uplifting
in the long term, affecting the overall quality of life, especially for of communities. In 2000, Japan introduced comprehensive long-term care insurance,
seniors. which offers seniors different care models to choose from, including home care,

living in assisted-care facilities, and help with grocery shopping. In 2011, more People-Tourists-Malaysia-City-4048015

Thirdly, your younger, income-generating self. Bank savings or care models were integrated with healthcare and preventive care. Traditionally https://www.maxpixel.net/Kuala-Lumpur-Capital-

Employees Provident Fund (EPF) accounts are the best ways to ensure strong in industrial manufacturing, Japan is currently developing assistive products
economic security in old age. However, many blue-collar workers do such as care robots and cell therapies.
not earn enough when they are young. By the time they reach 65, their
body can no longer tolerate heavy physical tasks, causing them to have Meanwhile, as the topic of population ageing comes to light, governments
a shrinking income. To make matters worse, in order to get by on a across the world are gradually responding by building up their social care

daily basis, they cannot afford to fall sick. infrastructures. Care services, equipment and care homes are provided by health

ministries, backed by sufficient financial allocation and manpower. Often referred
Those that have prepared are not guaranteed safe sailing either. to as the pride of the United Kingdom, the National Health Service (NHS) sets a

Treatment for illnesses such as cancer can easily wipe out all the role model in providing social care and support for senior citizens. Hong Kong’s
savings one has accumulated over the years. Besides that, withdrawal Sau Po Centre on Ageing has also developed capacity-building programmes for
schemes during the pandemic, such as i-Sinar, have left millions of healthy, retired people in their 60s or early 70s to visit socially-isolated people

EPF contributors with less than a RM10,000 balance. Moving forward, with mild cognitive impairment. Volunteering helps these senior citizens lead
Malaysians are in huge trouble if we fail to prepare for retirement. meaningful lives, as Hong Kong employers are no longer keen on retaining them.
101 102