Living longer, but are we prepared for long-term care? — Mazlynda Md Yusuf and Mohd Hafyzuddin Md Yusuf

October 13 - When patients arrive at the emergency department, their urgent medical needs are often the primary focus of healthcare teams. After stabilising acute conditions like falls, strokes, or heart attacks, patients are discharged. However, a significant question arises: what happens after discharge? For many individuals, leaving the hospital does not mean returning to their previous level of independence.

They require assistance with daily tasks such as walking, bathing, eating, or taking medication. Others rely on rehabilitation, skilled nursing care, mobility aids, home modifications, or continuous support from family caregivers. This gap between acute care and ongoing post-discharge care is known as long-term care (LTC). LTC is assistance and support for people who struggle with independent living due to ageing, chronic illness, disability, or other health issues. Unlike short-term hospital treatment, LTC can last for months or even years.

According to Malaysia's Department of Statistics, the proportion of Malaysians aged 65 and above increased from 8.0 per cent in 2025 to 8.4 per cent in 2026. Currently, there are approximately 2.9 million people in this age group. The population aged 60 and above reached 12.3 per cent of the total population in 2026. Projections show Malaysia will become an ageing nation in 2036 when those aged 60 and above make up more than 15 per cent of the population.

Malaysians are living longer, with an average life expectancy at birth of 75.5 years. Individuals turning 60 in 2026 can expect to live an additional 20.2 years on average, but this does not account for healthy life expectancy. WHO data shows Malaysia's Healthy Life Expectancy (HALE) at birth is 63.9 years, which is 8.9 years less than overall life expectancy.

This means people are living longer with health issues, creating a need for ongoing assistance to maintain independence.

Long-term care involves ongoing help for those who cannot live independently due to ageing, chronic illness, disability, or other health conditions. It includes help with daily living activities, therapy, home care, mobility aids, and assistance from family caregivers. Financially, long-term care can be a significant burden, eroding household income and workforce productivity as family members may need to reduce work hours or stop working entirely to provide care.

Insurance and savings plans are crucial for preparing for these potential expenses. The Malaysian government and communities also play a role in supporting those who need long-term care.