Respecting rights of the elderly

NEXT Wednesday, the world observes Human Rights Day, a reminder of the ongoing importance of equality, justice and dignity for all people worldwide.

All individuals, regardless of age, are entitled to the fundamental human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international conventions.

However, older people often face unique challenges and vulnerabilities, such as ageism, discrimination, neglect and abuse, which can lead to specific human rights violations.

Malaysia is projected to become an aged nation by 2030, with over 15% of its population expected to be aged 60 and above. This demographic shift is driven by longer life expectancy and declining birth rates, and will have significant implications for the country’s healthcare, economy and social structures.

If you take a walk in certain parts of Kuala Lumpur, you will find old people using the sidewalks or underneath bridges as temporary shelters. This is a long-standing problem that our capital city grappled with.

But the growing concern now is the abandonment of the elderly.

Between 2018 and June 2022, 2,144 elderly individuals were abandoned at hospitals in Malaysia, with the Women, Family and Community Develop­ment Ministry reporting that 752 were abandoned in 2021 alone.

Of the 2,144 in total, only 914 were successfully reunited with their families, highlighting a significant challenge as many family members refused to take their elderly relatives back.

At Hospital Kuala Lumpur alone, an average of two to three senior citizens are abandoned every month. And the latest data shows that 1,305 elderly were abandoned there from 2020 to May 2024.

These are shocking statistics for a single hospital. The rising cases of abandonment has led to the hospital setting up a transit house for individuals (the majority of whom are 70 and above) as a temporary shelter before the Social Welfare Department takes over.

The roots of elderly abandonment run deep, often intertwined with societal shifts that erode traditional support structures. Family dynamics have evolved: smaller households, geographic mobility for work and dual-income necessities leave many adult children unable or unwilling to care for ageing parents.

But let’s not sugarcoat it – abandonment stems from sheer neglect, where elders are denied basic needs like food, hygiene, medical care or safe housing.

In the past, Asian values meant that intergenerational responsibility was a given. No matter what the situation, we took care of our parents. But this does not appear to be the case or is not a priority with the present generation.

The consequences are devastating and far-reaching. Abandoned elders suffer profound isolation, leading to deteriorating physical and mental health – think accelerated cognitive decline, depression and even premature death. Econo­mically, it burdens healthcare systems with preventable hospitalisations and long-term care costs.

What can we do to stem this silent epidemic?

First and foremost, the government should bolster legal frameworks to criminalise and prevent abandonment. The United States’ Elder Justice Act of 2010 is a solid model – it’s the first comprehensive federal legislation tackling abuse, neglect and exploitation, providing grants for adult protective services and legal support.

Closer to home, Singapore has specific legislation that mandates elderly care, primarily through the Maintenance of Parents Act, which makes it a legal obligation for adult children to provide financial support (maintenance) to their indigent parents.

Malaysia does not currently have a specific “Senior Citizen Act”, but is in the process of developing a Senior Citizens Bill and has launched the National Senior Citizens Action Plan 2026-2030. The Bill aims to legally guarantee the rights of seniors to healthcare, shelter, safety, financial protection and dignity, with provisions to address abuse and neglect.

The action plan serves as a roadmap for strengthening the welfare of the elderly through awareness, long-term care and social assistance.

Beyond laws, proactive policies are essential. Investing in affordable elder care infrastructure – subsidised home care, community centres and assisted living facilities – could alleviate family burdens and reduce abandonment risks.

Tax incentives for families who provide in-home care or paid leave for elder caregiving, would encourage responsibility without financial burden.

Critics might argue that family obligations should remain private, not a government mandate. But in a world where demographics are shifting – with longer lifespan and fewer children per family – relying solely on kin is unrealistic and unfair.

The government has a moral and economic duty to intervene; after all, these elders paid taxes and contributed to society for decades. Ignoring them now is not just shortsighted – it’s inhumane.

In the end, addressing elderly abandonment isn’t about charity; it’s about justice and sustainability. As populations grey, proactive government policies can transform this crisis into an opportunity for stronger, inclusive societies.