According to Dr Edward Foo, the founding director of Malaysia’s first Institute of Ageing and Care at the New Era University College, Kajang, Malaysia is heading from an ageing society to an aged one “at unprecedented speed”.
This transition is intensified by the current generation of youngsters who are uninterested in raising a family. We see family photos getting smaller and smaller compared to our grandparents’ generation, he says.
However, even though the family unit is getting significantly smaller, in today’s fast-paced world it’s very common for generations to grow apart as the younger ones are absorbed in their own (digital) worlds.
The Oxford-trained academic recently asked his classroom of nearly 100 university students about their plans to start a family: Only a quarter of the students wanted children, half of them wanted no kids, and another quarter don’t even want to find a partner.
Fewer children could also lead to a tension among siblings about who will shoulder the caregiving responsibilities when dad and mom get old and need care, he cautions.
When families were big, caregiving responsibilities are often shared between siblings, some contributing financially, while others do more of the physical work.
However, now with the average children per family in Malaysia at 1.4 to 2.7, children have to shoulder a comparatively heavier load when it comes to caregiving for their parents and grandparents.
Furthermore, for youths who are not keen to have children or marry, the responsibility of senior care will fall on them about the time they themselves reach their “golden years”.
The ageing crisis will worsen if people do not have proper caregiving skills as this could lead to injuries to both the care recipients and the caregivers themselves, says Foo who advocates that everyone learn senior caregiving skills to better protect their own future wellbeing as well as that of their ageing loved ones.
He also feels that intergenerational connections can foster mutual learning and that youths have a unique opportunity to bridge the generational gap, break down stereotypes surrounding ageing, and create a supportive elderly ecosystem should they take part in the senior care industry.
It may seem like a burden at first, but learning senior care skills as a youth has many benefits, he says.
Youths will be able to build meaningful connections with seniors, and from there, learn from their wealth of life experiences and wisdom.
By listening to their stories, understanding their perspectives, and appreciating the challenges they have overcome, the youth gain a broader understanding of life.
Such lessons are invaluable, and may serve as guidance as they navigate their own paths and make important life choices.
Also, stereotypes surrounding aging can create divisions between generations. However, through youth engagement in senior care, these stereotypes can be shattered.
The youth have the power to redefine what it means to age gracefully, to challenge societal norms, and to combat ageism. By treating the elderly with respect, dignity, the youth can set an example for others and foster a more inclusive and age-positive society.
On an entrepreneurial end, the field of senior care presents vast entrepreneurial and technological possibilities for young innovators. Youth can use technology to develop innovative solutions to address the evolving needs of the elderly.
From smart home technologies to user-friendly applications, the possibilities are endless. By leveraging their skills and creativity, youths today can revolutionise the senior care industry, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless people.
Youth engagement in senior care is not just an act of kindness but it is a transformative force that can bridge the gap between generations, Foo says.
By forging connections, gaining wisdom, challenging stereotypes, and embracing technological innovation, the youth have the power to create a society that celebrates the power of generations.
Let us seize this opportunity to make a difference, to learn, and to build a future that thrives on intergenerational harmony and understanding and create a world that cherishes and respects the contributions of every age group.
This article was contributed by The Malaysian Association for Social Care Professionals and Homes (Masoc Care). For more info, contact 011-3301 9681/ info@masoc.care.
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