Gender Difference in Understanding Ageing and Retirement (original) (raw)

Perception and preparation for old age: Case studies in Malaysia, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur

It is commonly argued that old age protection schemes in many Southeast Asia countries are less developed as compared to the development of the nation. As such, familial support remains the number one source of old age protection, let them be for monetary or social support. Nevertheless, with industrialization and rural-urban migration on the rise, familial support is slowly losing its importance for old age protection. The objective of this paper is twofold: to know the perception of youth for old age and to understand their preparation for old age. The study interviewed the elderly aged and working population between the age of 18 – 54 years old in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Manila using a structured questionnaire. In general, the study indicates that youth in all three major cities plan to shift away from the traditional familial support for old age with support other personal savings and insurance. The major reason for the change in the perception of familial support is the inadequacy of retirement benefits provided by formal old-age programs currently available to their parents. Incidentally, the youth in Manila still feel that familial support is highly needed for old age protection. Keywords: old age protection, perception and preparation for old age

Age-based Analysis of the Perceptions of Aging and Successful Aging in Malaysia

Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia, 2021

Given that ageism could have detrimental effects on the aging society, knowing how people of different age groups perceive aging and successful aging is important. This study collected data from 648 respondents aged between 18 and 80 years old for an age-based analysis of the perceptions toward aging and successful aging. The findings revealed that generally, being healthy, happy, and physically active are considered important aspects of successful aging. Regardless of age, health is perceived as the most fundamental part of life. Both the psychosocial and health factors are critical aspects of successful aging. Hence, it is critical to look into the provision of better healthcare and public facilities for older adults, to find ways to reduce negative attitudes toward older people and to assist older adults to live successfully at old age.

Understanding socio-demographic patterns and wellbeing dimensions of the elderly in Malaysia: the way forward in reaching an age nation by 2030 / Aslinda Ramely, Yarina Ahmad and Nor Hafizah Mohamed Harith

Faculty of Administrative Science & Policy Studies (FASPS), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, 2018

While most of the dominant countries in the world such as Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceana, Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America are experiencing the increasing number of the elderly, the issue of the ageing population becomes a global phenomenon. In the meantime, Malaysia is also among the countries which is located in the Asian region which is a contributor to the overall world ageing population. Previously in the 1950s and 1990s, the population of the elderly in Malaysia has been recorded to be lower and has fluctuated in trend. However, since the year 2000 until recent years, the elderly population in this country has been observed to drastically increase, reaching 2.653 million in the year 2014, as compared to only 386.6 thousand in 1960. As forecasted by the United Nations, this increment will transform Malaysia into an aged nation by 2030. While the elderly population is growing yearly, extra attention needs to be given to the elderly in ensuring their wellbeing at an optimum level. Only then, may this country evolve and prosper into a better place for all, especially the elderly. Hence, the understanding of socio-demographic patterns of the elderly is highly needed to obtain a profound understanding of their demands. For this reason, the primary objective of this concept paper is to analyses four patterns of the socio-demographic of Malaysian elderly namely in terms of their age group, gender, geographical area and level of education. Furthermore, this paper scrutinises the applicability of these socio-demographic patterns in attaining five wellbeing dimensions of the elderly which are the economy, environment, health, social and on spiritual terms. Hence, this paper concludes that a thorough understanding of socio-demographic patterns and wellbeing dimensions of the elderly are important for the government and all relevant parties to develop necessary actions precisely for this age group alongside also strategising on ways to propel forward to be a prosperous aged nation by 2030.

Understanding Socio-demographic Patterns and Wellbeing Dimensions of the Elderly in Malaysia: The Way Forward in Reaching an Age Nation by 2030

Journal of Administrative Science, 2018

While most of the dominant countries in the world such as Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceana, Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America are experiencing the increasing number of the elderly, the issue of the ageing population becomes a global phenomenon. In the meantime, Malaysia is also among the countries which is located in the Asian region which is a contributor to the overall world ageing population. Previously in the 1950s and 1990s, the population of the elderly in Malaysia has been recorded to be lower and has fluctuated in trend. However, since the year 2000 until recent years, the elderly population in this country has been observed to drastically increase, reaching 2.653 million in the year 2014, as compared to only 386.6 thousand in 1960. As forecasted by the United Nations, this increment will transform Malaysia into an aged nation by 2030. While the elderly population is growing yearly, extra attention needs to be given to the elderly in ensuring their wellbeing at an optimum level. Only then, may this country evolve and prosper into a better place for all, especially the elderly. Hence, the understanding of socio-demographic patterns of the elderly is highly needed to obtain a profound understanding of their demands. For this reason, the primary objective of this concept paper is to analyses four patterns of the socio-demographic of Malaysian elderly namely in terms of their age group, gender, geographical area and level of education. Furthermore, this paper scrutinises the applicability of these socio-demographic patterns in attaining five wellbeing dimensions of the elderly which are the economy, environment, health, social and on spiritual terms. Hence, this paper concludes that a thorough understanding of socio-demographic patterns and wellbeing dimensions of the elderly are important for the government and all relevant parties to develop necessary actions precisely for this age group alongside also strategising on ways to propel forward to be a prosperous aged nation by 2030.

Attitude Towards Ageing and Perceived Health Status among the Elderly in Malaysia

ADVANCES IN BUSINESS RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, 2016

There is an increasing number of older people globally, thus it is essential to build knowledge of how older people view their own ageing, considering their health related circumstances. However, limited attention has been given to attitude towards ageing, particularly in Malaysia. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between self- perception of ageing and perceived health status in adults aged 60 years and above. This study is primarily conducted via survey among the elderly patients who are 60 years old and above, who are using the services at public hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia. The ‘Attitudes towards ageing’ questionnaire was used to measure participants’ perception of ageing, while perceived health status was measured using questions from the Study of Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) developed by World Health Organization(WHO). All items in both questionnaires were measured on a 5-point Likert-scale. The findings reveal that positive attitudes t...

Attitude towards ageing and perceived health statusamong the elderly in Malaysia / Noor’ain Mohamad Yunus ... [et al.]

Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Selangor, 2016

There is an increasing number of older people globally, thus it is essential to build knowledge of how older people view their own ageing, considering their health related circumstances. However, limited attention has been given to attitude towards ageing, particularly in Malaysia. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between selfperception of ageing and perceived health status in adults aged 60 years and above. This study is primarily conducted via survey among the elderly patients who are 60 years old and above, who are using the services at public hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia. The 'Attitudes towards ageing' questionnaire was used to measure participants' perception of ageing, while perceived health status was measured using questions from the Study of Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) developed by World Health Organization(WHO). All items in both questionnaires were measured on a 5-point Likert-scale. The findings reveal that positive attitudes to ageing were associated with health status in older adults. The research contributes to greater understanding of the attitudes among the elderly towards ageing and their perceived health status. Understanding these associations may help healthcare providers and policy makers consider strategies to enhance the quality of life of the elderly.

Issues of an Ageing Population: A comparative Study in Malaysia, Singapore, Maldives, and Pakistan

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH)

The world is currently experiencing a significant demographic shift characterised by a rapidly increasing ageing population. This phenomenon is primarily a result of improved healthcare and reduced birth rates, leading to an unprecedented rise in the proportion of older individuals in society. The rapid growth in the ageing population is expected to increase twofold by 2050, reaching as high as 1.5 billion, up sixteen percent from the 2019, population. There are many challenges and issues arising for all countries with an ageing population due to the change in this demographic scenario. As many countries are involved in these issues, they are still waiting to face the challenges in the upcoming years. Thus, this study aims to acknowledge the issues of an ageing population in selected countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, and Maldives. This study employs primary and secondary research methodologies. Using a questionnaire and telephone or mobile device interviews, a primary...

Examining socio-economic aspects of ageing: A sociological study

International journal of applied research, 2016

The demographics of old age (above 60 years) population in the country constitute at 7.4 percent of total population (as per 2011 census) and it is increasing at an unprecedented rate. For a developing country like India, such trends have the potential pressures with regard to socioeconomic , medical and psychological problems. Gerontology, the study of ageing and the elderly, deals not only with the physical process of ageing, but also with the related social and cultural factors. Change in socioeconomic status and various health problems (psychological) adversely affect an individual's standard of living and their 'lived-experience' during old age. The psychology of ageing is clearly influenced by the general attitude towards the elderly. Social psychology indicates the changing attitude towards them. At the same time, social implications of ageing should be viewed in a wider context of their individual well being and their social interactions/ engagement. The present paper attempts to address the following research objectives through primary data of select elderly population of Belgaum city, Karnataka state and secondary data. Research Objectives  To examine the socioeconomic background of the elderly  To analyse the social problems and health issues of the elderly  To understand their attitude towards life

Gender differences in countries' adaptation to societal ageing: an international cross-sectional comparison

The Lancet Healthy Longevity, 2021

Background Gender differences in life expectancy and societal roles have implications for a country's capacity to support its older population. Specifically, the longevity risk associated with longer life expectancy of women, with greater risk of morbidity entails different needs between genders in older age. We aimed to quantify gender differences in the ageing experience of older people in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries as a first step in identifying policy gaps and differences in the allocation of resources and social support for older men and women. Methods We constructed a multidimensional Ageing Index to account for gender differences in societal ageing, using mostly gender-disaggregated latest available data between 2015 and 2019, for 18 OECD countries. Our Ageing Index is a weighted sum of scores for five domains, which consisted of various measures, that are important for societal ageing: wellbeing, productivity and engagement, equity, security, and cohesion. The construction of the domains and their relative weighting was determined by the Research Network on an Ageing Society, an interdisciplinary group of academics. We computed the overall index and domain scores (from 0 to 100) for each gender and compared these scores between genders and countries. Findings In every country, gender differences in key domains of societal ageing favour men. Countries in northern Europe (ie, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway), the Netherlands, and Japan had high overall Index scores for both genders, whereas many eastern and southern European countries (eg, Hungary, Poland, and Slovenia) performed less well. Countries with the largest gender difference in Index scores include the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, whereas Ireland, Spain, and Poland had the smallest difference. Gender differences were present for the domains of productivity and engagement, security, and cohesion. Gender differences favoured men for domain productivity and engagement (mean 10•2, 95% CI 7•8-12•6; p<0•0001), security (10•3, 7•8-12•7; p<0•0001), and cohesion (21•1, 13•9-28•1; p<0•0001). Although the domains of wellbeing and equity showed more mixed results, they nonetheless showed a slight advantage for men. Interpretation Our multidimensional index helps to identify specific gender differences along key domains of societal ageing in various OECD countries. Furthermore, the inter-country comparisons reveal those countries with more successful societal ageing, which could be instructive for policy makers. Funding John A Hartford Foundation and the Singapore Ministry of Education.