Aged nation status in just 27 years
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Malaysia faces a looming transition to an aged nation status within just 27 years, according to Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. This timeline is significantly shorter than the preparation periods experienced by several developed nations, which range from 115 to 73 years. Malaysia entered the ageing nation category in 2021, when those aged 65 and above constituted 7% of the population. Current projections indicate that the country will become a super-aged nation by 2060, when the elderly population reaches 20%.
The rapid shift poses unique challenges for Malaysia, particularly due to lower income levels compared to developed nations during similar transitions. These challenges include slower workforce growth, insufficient retirement savings, and heightened demand for healthcare and elderly care services. The National Ageing Blueprint 2025-2045 is currently undergoing final government review, while a White Paper on Preparation for Becoming an Aged Nation will be presented during the current parliamentary session.
Akmal acknowledged the government's willingness to consider Dr Zaliha Mustafa's proposal for a district rejuvenation pilot zone in Sekijang, where 10.8% of residents are aged 60 and above. He recognized that urban management and recreational tourism planning for the elderly require review, as young people moving to major cities have accelerated ageing in some areas.
Regarding the role of the youth, Akmal emphasized the potential for the "silver economy" to generate business and employment opportunities in elderly care, health technology, and digital services. He noted that the Economy Ministry, the Statistics Department, and relevant agencies are developing indicators to measure the silver economy's contribution to the country's gross domestic product.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
