Addressing needs of seniors

THE International Day for Older Persons is celebrated on Oct 1 annually; this year, its theme is “Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations”.

It serves as a reminder and a call to action, emphasising the rights of senior people and the importance of intergenerational solidarity.

Such a message aligns seamlessly with the broader vision of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that envision an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for everyone. (The SDGs are 17 interlinked objectives designed to serve as a “shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet”.)

The unity government’s *Madani Economy Framework, aimed at enhancing the welfare of Malaysia’s populace, should inherently feature solid healthcare and welfare mechanisms to accommodate Malaysia’s rapidly growing senior population.

This demographic is frequently vulnerable to chronic illnesses and other health concerns, making a holistic healthcare infrastructure indispensable. Medically speaking, the lack of a dedicated healthcare system for geriatric care can result in delayed diagnosis, suboptimal treatment, and hindered access to critical medical services. Such gaps in healthcare can also discourage preventive care, increasing the vulnerability of older individuals to various health issues.

Neglecting to include a comprehensive geriatric care model in the Madani Economy Framework might inadvertently widen health and socioeconomic disparities among the elderly.

Psychologically, the lack of a thorough welfare system can lead to feelings of neglect and marginalisation among older adults, possibly escalating mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety.

It’s paramount for the Madani Economy Framework to undergo revision, ensuring the integration of a detailed healthcare and welfare model, ultimately addressing the unique needs of senior citizens, cultivating a more inclusive and equitable societal structure.

All citizens, including older individuals, are deserving of the full range of human rights. Recognising and safeguarding these rights – encompassing health, social protection, and active participation – are cornerstones of a society where seniors can thrive with dignity and assurance.

Championing intergenerational unity not only encourages mutual respect and comprehension among varied age brackets but also aids in passing down knowledge, capabilities, and values. Such a mutual exchange is pivotal for establishing a united society and realising the extensive social and economic targets set by the SDGs.

The elderly population in developing nations can play a crucial role in advancing several SDGs. Their experience, wisdom, and abilities can be channelled to encourage lifelong learning (SDG 4), and stimulate inclusive economic growth and ensure decent employment (SDG 8).

Making healthcare accessible and championing well-being across all ages embodies the essence of SDG 3. By shaping robust healthcare frameworks tailored to older individuals, developing nations can uplift their quality of life and achieve the goals of this pivotal SDG.

Addressing the needs of seniors, particularly concerning social protection and income security, can significantly influence poverty reduction (SDG 1) and mitigate inequalities (SDG 10).

Encouraging the proactive involvement of seniors in community affairs can boost social unity and contribute to the overarching societal aims of the SDGs.

It is crucial to acknowledge the rights and contributions of the older generation. Malaysian society needs to foster a greater culture of mutual respect and exchange between generations. This could push our society towards upholding the pledges of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the extensive objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals.

DR CHEE KWAN FOONG and PROF LONG CHIAU MING

School of Medical and Life Sciences

Sunway University

*Madani is an acronym for the government’s overarching policy that embraces six core values: keMampanan (sustainability), KesejAhteraan (prosperity), Daya cipta (innovation), hormAt (respect), keyakiNan (trust) and Ihsan (compassion).