Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid advocates embracing Malaysia's ageing population, noting that the elderly in Japan are actively involved in community. Smart homes, telemedicine, and assistive tech can also support independent living for the elderly.
The Galen Centre says the PM's "Madani Economy" vision fails to recognise Malaysia's increasingly sick and ageing population. "People who are sick and infirm will be disadvantaged and unable to participate in the benefits of this economic vision."
The reformation of curative health care to preventive health care is a good start when addressing the inclusion of oral health care in general health programmes.
Industry players agree on the need for increased regulation and oversight of private care facilities, but opinions differ on whether separate legislation or the Senior Citizens Bill is the appropriate vehicle for this.
Senator Ras Adiba Radzi calls for increased public spending and better regulation of long-term care facilities and services, including regular quarterly auditing by government authorities or local councils, as well as a long-term care fund for care homes.
Care partners caring for parents with dementia, cancer, or gout say the Senior Citizens Bill shouldn't penalise adult children who send parents to care homes. They want more assistance instead; one had to quit his job in KL to care for his father in Sabah.
Residents at GreenAcres Retirement Village in Ipoh, Perak, speak about living “independently” as they age. Total Investment ED talks about government incentives for senior living.