KUALA LUMPUR: Senior citizens deserve dignity, respect, security and opportunities to continue contributing to society, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Senior Citizen Advisory Council member said Malaysia's ageing population must be matched by a stronger national commitment towards healthy ageing, elderly care, social protection and age-friendly communities.
In conjunction with the International Day of Older Persons on Thursday (Oct 1), Lee said people aged 60 and above already made up about 12% of the country's population.
“This demographic change must be matched by a stronger national commitment to healthy ageing, elderly care, social protection, age-friendly communities and protection against abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination,” he said when contacted.
Lee said society must move beyond simply caring for senior citizens and instead empower them to remain active and contribute to their families and communities.
He said many senior citizens had decades of experience, knowledge and wisdom and remained capable and willing to work, volunteer and mentor younger generations.
“At the same time, we must never forget those who are frail, living alone, financially vulnerable or dependent on others.
“They need effective protection and support, not merely sympathy,” he said.
Lee called for a stronger whole-of-society approach to ageing involving the government, families, employers, communities, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.
Among the priorities, he called for the expedited introduction of a comprehensive Senior Citizens Bill to strengthen the rights, protection and welfare of older persons.
He also called for more age-friendly communities with safer pedestrian facilities, public transport, housing and recreational spaces.
Other priorities included strengthening healthcare, long-term care and community-based support for the elderly, as well as taking firmer action against elder abuse, neglect, exploitation and financial scams.
Lee also urged greater promotion of lifelong learning, digital inclusion and suitable employment opportunities for senior citizens who wished to remain active.
He said intergenerational solidarity should also be strengthened to ensure older persons were not isolated from family and community life.
“Ageing should not mean losing one’s dignity, independence or sense of purpose.
“Let us build a Malaysia where people can grow older safely, healthily and with dignity — and where our senior citizens are recognised not only for what they need from society, but also for what they can continue to give to society,” he said.
Lee said a caring and civilised nation was measured by how it treated its most vulnerable, including older citizens.
“On this Senior Citizens Day, let us make a commitment: No senior citizen should feel forgotten, unsafe or without dignity,” he said.
