In a recent development, Malaysia has garnered commendation from Claudia Mahler, the United Nations Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons. This endorsement follows Mahler’s visit to Malaysia, where she evaluated the country’s policies concerning its ageing population. Malaysia, amidst a projected demographic shift, is expected to see 14 percent of its population aged 65 and above by 2044, with projections rising to 20 percent by 2056.
- Malaysia’s recognition of ageing in its policy framework underscores the need for comprehensive measures that prioritize safeguarding the human rights of older individuals, a notion emphasized by Mahler.
- Key to the improvement of overall well-being for older persons are pivotal benefits such as social allowances, access to free healthcare (with exclusion of hospitalization costs), incentives for continued employment, and programs promoting an active lifestyle. These steps are essential, especially as Malaysia navigates its demographic shift.
Efforts have been ongoing, with the Malaysian government having established the National Policy for Older Persons (NPOP) in 2011. This policy aims to create environments where older citizens can live independently and with dignity. However, experts believe further concrete actions are crucial for the successful implementation of these policies.
Globally, the trend of population ageing is on the rise. Projections show that the share of people aged 65 and over could reach 20.7 percent by 2074, doubling from 10.3 percent in 2024, with estimates indicating that nearly 15 percent of the global population will be aged 60 or older by 2030. This trajectory underscores the importance of robust frameworks, such as Malaysia’s, to meet the needs of older populations worldwide.
For more details regarding Mahler’s commendation of Malaysia, please refer to the full article on JURIST.