{
  "id": 19560639,
  "title": "Ruler: Healthy ageing a right, not a luxury",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/ruler-healthy-ageing-a-right-not-a-luxury",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T22:00:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/1575797/ruler-healthy-ageing-right-not-luxury"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR — Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, the ruler of Perak, emphasized that healthy ageing should be a fundamental right, not a luxury. He stated that while longer and healthier lives were among modern civilization's greatest achievements, access to their benefits must not be limited by wealth. Sultan Nazrin argued that a society's true measure is whether its opportunities remain accessible to its most vulnerable citizens.\n\nHe highlighted that healthy ageing must be inclusive by design, with environments, services, and technologies that expand access rather than widen existing inequalities. This, he said, is not just good social policy, but a moral obligation and a sign of respect for our elders.\n\nSultan Nazrin delivered his address, titled \"The Silver Economy: A Foundation for Shared Prosperity,\" at the High-Level Forum on the Silver Economy 2026, which focused on the theme \"Healthy Longevity for Economic Growth.\" He was honored with the Baroness Sally Greengross Award for Healthy Longevity Innovation by the Global Coalition on Ageing.\n\nThe Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Ageing, adopted by Southeast Asian leaders in 2015, recognized the requirement for equitable access to healthcare, public services, preventive measures, and support throughout life. Sultan Nazrin pointed out that the foundations of healthy ageing are established long before one reaches 60, through decisions made decades earlier.\n\nIntervention should be made early to prevent the rapid decline of capabilities. He stressed the need for well-designed environments that not only accommodate but preserve declining capabilities. Sultan Nazrin emphasized that healthy ageing requires the right infrastructure, not just the right services. He pointed out that housing, healthcare, financial security, and technology must be viewed as interconnected components of the same lived environment.\n\nCiting an Asean study, Sultan Nazrin projected that demand for aged-care services in the region would more than double over the next two decades. He stressed that discussions on longevity must address the economic implications, as pressures on public finances and families are significant. He cited research indicating that every ringgit invested in care can generate up to RM7 in economic benefits, including increased economic activity, employment, and income.",
  "summary": "Your browser does not support the audio element.",
  "key_points": [
    "Healthy ageing should be a fundamental right, not a luxury.",
    "Sultan Nazrin emphasized inclusive design for healthy ageing.",
    "Demand for aged-care services in ASEAN region projected to double."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}