Dr. Andrew Mohanraj

   by Dr Andrew Mohanraj
   Consultant Psychiatrist & Deputy President
  Malaysian Mental Health Association

 

Do you believe that our current laws and policies in Malaysia are sufficient enough to care for our elderly population? Why?

We do not have sufficient laws and policies in place to safeguard the interests of our elderly population. For one thing we still do not have the Aged Care Act

This will become a very serious issue if we do not plan for not too far away in 2035 when , according to UN projections, Malaysia will be officially an aging nation  with at least 15% of its population above the age of 60.  Laws and policies must look into various dimensions, from accessibility to appropriate health care to user friendly public transport system, appropriate subsidies accorded to senior citizens, old age assistance payments and rules governing residential care for the elderly .

 

What issues do you feel is not addressed in Malaysia (in terms of the elderly population)?

Government servants at least get some pension ( for those who opted for the pension scheme) .For others unless they made very prudent financial decisions during their working years , in their old age  they would find themselves poor and dependent on the mercy of their children. Most Malaysian parents would be prepared to sacrifice   everything including selling off their only house to finance the education of their children but in old age may not find this deed reciprocated. Families are also getting smaller , which leave few  children to look after their elderly parents.

There must be a mechanism to ensure old age assistance payments to at least instill some dignity and financial security in old age.

 

 How should the elderly population be cared for by our country?

One thing that comes to my mind is the state of affairs in many so called old folks homes and private nursing homes.  Many of these are very poorly managed and often the clients are neglected or even abused .Residential care must also be clearly categorised into independent, assisted and dependent living types.  The care givers in such residential facilities must also be given adequate training and certification and special focus must be given to the importance of psychosocial care for the aged. A society must be for all ages. The elderly too have a right to live a life of dignity.

 

Why is it important for our elderly population to have their rights looked after?

Any society will be judged by how it looks after its elderly and other vulnerable groups  . When the elderly are neglected , that speaks badly of our values and priorities  . It also means that we forget everyone will get old some day . What is even more frightening is that while we take great comfort in the increasing lifespan  noticed in each subsequent generation , it also means that people with non physical conditions like  dementia  , depression or those bedridden also prolong their suffering .

For subsequent generations to add  life into the days rather than adding  days into their lives , reforms in care of the aged must be put in place now.