Family Support and Loneliness among Older Persons in Multiethnic Malaysia

Abstract

This study investigates factors affecting older persons' state of loneliness in multiethnic Malaysia using data from the 2004 Malaysian Population and Family Survey, the first nationally representative sample in Malaysia. The study sample was extracted to include Malays, Chinese, Indians and other Indigenous groups aged 60 and above, and who had children (n = 1791). Cross tabulations and ordinal logistic regression methods were used in the analysis. Among the ethnic groups, older Malays were more likely than their Chinese and Indian counterparts to experience loneliness. Loneliness was found to be associated with age, marital status, education level, sources of income, health status, and physical limitations. Among older people, feelings of loneliness were inversely related with coresidence with adult children and participation in religious activities. Sociodemographic changes have eroded the traditional family support system for the elderly, while social security remains inadequate. This study shows the important role of family in alleviating loneliness among older people. Hence the need to promote and facilitate coresidence, as well as participation in religious activities, and a healthy lifestyle as a priority strategy is in line with the objectives of the National Policy for the Older People.

Do Personal Strengths and Weaknesses Impact Subjective Well-being of Elderly?

“…The hypothesis is accepted. Similarly, a study supported that females are more suffering feelings of loneliness as compared to male elders (M = 23.8, M = 16.5) respectively (Teh et al, 2014). Meanwhile, self-esteem is higher in female as compared to male (17.41, M = 16.92).…”

“…The prevalence of loneliness in elders is not just confined only to particular countries, it is a growing issue across the globe and researchers highlighted issues that vary from location to location including Asia and particularly in Malaysia. It is the more substantial issue presently (Teh et al, 2014). Amzat and Jayawardena (2015) supported that Malaysian elders are suffering social isolation and loneliness, particularly emotional loneliness that effect psychologically in terms of psychological wellbeing and self-esteem (Hallford et al, 2013;Latiffah et al, 2005).…”

Spiritual reminiscence therapy for older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression living in a residential aged care facility, Malaysia: The effectiveness and older people’s experiences

“…In Islamic principle, it is the obligation of the children to look after their older relatives and failing to do so is regarded as a major sin (Stivens, 2006). Older people who were born before the social and economic changes of the 1960s and 1970s would also have expectations of living with, and being cared for by, family members as they would have done for their older relatives (Amzat & Jayawardena, 2016;Omar, 2003;Teh, Tey, & Ng, 2014). Furthermore, older people generally prefer to live with their family members (Teh et al, 2014).…”

“…Older people who were born before the social and economic changes of the 1960s and 1970s would also have expectations of living with, and being cared for by, family members as they would have done for their older relatives (Amzat & Jayawardena, 2016;Omar, 2003;Teh, Tey, & Ng, 2014). Furthermore, older people generally prefer to live with their family members (Teh et al, 2014). The move to a RACF may lead to feelings of abandonment (Momtaz, Ibrahim, Hamid, & Yahaya, 2010) and decreased social support (Saleh, 2013) -all contributing factors for loneliness, anxiety and depression.…”

“…Active participation in spiritual activities has been reported to reduce feelings of loneliness in 1791 participants, comprising Malays, Chinese, Indians and other Indigenous groups aged 60 years and over (Teh et al, 2014). Further, encouraging older people to practise spiritual activities has been demonstrated to weaken the relationship between loneliness and depression (Han & Richardson, 2010).…”