Aging in Multi-ethnic Malaysia: Table 1.

Abstract

Multiethnic Malaysia provides a unique case study of divergence in population aging of different sociocultural subgroups within a country. Malaysia represents 3 major ethnicities in Asia-the Malay, Chinese, and Indian. The 3 ethnic groups are at different stages of population aging, as they have undergone demographic transition at different pace amidst rapid social and economic changes. Between 1991 and 2010, the Malaysian population aged 60 and over has more than doubled from about 1 million to 2.2 million, and this is projected to rise to about 7 million or 17.6% of the projected population of 40 million by 2040. In 2010, the aging index ranged from 22.8% among the Bumiputera (Malays and other indigenous groups), to 31.4% among the Indians and 55.0% among the Chinese. Population aging provides great challenges for Malaysia's social and economic development. The increasing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases in older adults, coupled with the erosion of the traditional family support system has increased demands on health care services with an overwhelming need for multidisciplinary and specialized geriatric care. Following the adoption of the National Policy for the Elderly in 1995, issues of population aging have gained increasing attention, especially among researchers. There is an urgent need to increase public awareness, develop infrastructure, as well as support action oriented research that will directly translate to comprehensive and cohesive social strategies, policies, and legislation to protect not just the current older Malaysians but the future of all Malaysians.

Utility of Using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) as a Screening Tool for HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND) In Multi-Ethnic Malaysia

“…Older age and lower education effects on reduced normal performance have already been amply reported on the total MoCA [12–14], however, the effect of ethnicity is new. This effect ought to be interpreted in the particular context of modern Malaysia where it is known that persons of Chinese descent tend to have higher socioeconomic status when compared to their Malay and Indian counterparts [33]. The effect of sex is less easily interpretable and relates perhaps to the fact that the included Chinese HIV-negative women performed particularly well compared to their HIV-negative Malay and Indian counterparts.…”

Factors associated with home hazards: Findings from the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research study

“…The identification of risk factors associated with home hazards might have the potential utility of targeting home hazards interventions earlier, in particular, at risk groups in community settings, before adverse outcomes. Few healthcare providers have received specific training in the care of older persons, 19 and participation in health promotion and preventive programs remains low in Malaysia. This was similar to the findings of other international studies.…”

“…This was similar to the findings of other international studies. 19,21 In contrast, those with a lower education level were more likely to have taken on more manually-driven occupations including fisherman, farmers and cleaners, which drew lower wages and were less likely to have retirement savings. 2,18 The greater prevalence of those hazards in Malaysia might relate to a lack of safety awareness, or the culture and lifestyle of older Malaysians.…”

Ageing in Place Framework as Reference Guide for Housing in Malaysia: Landed Property

“…Consequently, there is a necessity to increase public awareness, construct the required infrastructure, and deliver various facilities along with accomplishment-oriented research in order to look after the aged population of Malaysia (Tey et al, 2016). Since the essentials of the aged population in Malaysia for housing strategies have not been well considered, this has caused major problems concerning the delivery of suitable shelters for the aged (Sulaiman, Baldry, & Ruddock, 2006).…”