The number of people aged 65 and above in Southeast Asia has surged to 56.2 million from 39.3 million a decade ago. Experts warn that this rapid aging trend, driven by falling fertility rates and increasing life expectancy, necessitates quick adaptation of infrastructure and services to cater to the growing needs of the elderly. Asean member countries are urged to invest in health, education, and social protection systems to support healthy, active, and productive aging among their populations.
PETALING JAYA: When Malaysia last chaired Asean a decade ago, there were 39.3 million people aged 65 and above in South-East Asia.
To prepare for the rising number of older persons, Asean member countries need to invest in health, education and social protection systems within a much shorter window, he said. In 2015, Asean adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Ageing during the tenure of Malaysia’s chairmanship of the regional body.
In Malaysia, cities like Penang Island and Sibu have been recognised by the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities and Communities network. “Programs like the Active Ageing Program or Active Ageing Centres encourage seniors to stay healthy and engaged through lifelong learning and community activities.
ASEAN ELDERLY POPULATION AGEING INFRASTRUCTURE HEALTHCARE
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