Post by : Meena Ariff

A recent study by Ipsos Malaysia reveals that Malaysians are feeling more hopeful and positive about ageing. The age at which Malaysians consider someone to be “old” has moved up over the years. Today, most Malaysians believe that old age starts at 60. This is four years later than what was thought in 2018.

This shift shows that Malaysians are becoming more optimistic about growing older. They are not seeing old age as something to worry about but as a phase of life to look forward to.

Old Age Perception Around the World

Ipsos, a market research company, surveyed people in 32 countries to find out when they think old age begins. On average, people across these countries say old age starts at 66. Since 2018, most countries have not changed their opinion about old age much.

However, Malaysia stands out as an exception. While the rest of the world keeps the old age starting at about the same point, Malaysians have raised the age at which they consider someone old.

Optimism About Later Years is Common in Southeast Asia

The study also found that six out of ten Malaysians feel hopeful about their life in their later years. This positive feeling about old age is more common in Southeast Asia than in developed countries.

In countries where people live longer, the excitement or hope for old age is often less. Despite having a higher life expectancy and defining old age at a later age, many people in developed countries do not look forward to growing older as much as Malaysians do.

Why Are Malaysians More Positive About Ageing?

Ipsos Malaysia’s managing director, Arun Menon, says that this hopeful attitude comes from Malaysia’s culture. Malaysians respect their elderly people deeply. Strong family bonds and close-knit communities give older people a lot of support. This reduces worries about ageing.

Because of these cultural values, Malaysians feel less anxious about getting old. They expect to live their later years with happiness and support.

Underestimating Life Expectancy

The study also noticed that Malaysians tend to underestimate how long they will live. Most Malaysians guess their life expectancy to be shorter than it is.

This same pattern of underestimating life expectancy happens in many countries around the world.

Challenges Ahead for Malaysia’s Ageing Population

Although Malaysians are positive about ageing, there are important challenges ahead. Experts predict that Malaysia will become an aged nation by the year 2043. This means that by then, many Malaysians will be older adults.

Arun Menon warns that Malaysia needs to prepare for this change. The country must invest in healthcare and social support systems to help older people live well.

Importance of Healthcare and Social Support

With Malaysians expected to live about 15 years after becoming old, the country needs to improve medical care and social services for seniors. Without strong healthcare and community support, older people may face health problems and loneliness.

Good health systems and support networks will help Malaysians live their later years with dignity, respect, and happiness.

Malaysia has time to prepare for the ageing population. By working on better healthcare and stronger social services, the country can make sure that the positive feelings Malaysians have about ageing will become a reality.

Strong family values combined with government and community support will help Malaysia create a society where older people are cared for and respected.

The new Ipsos study shows that Malaysians are more optimistic about growing older than before. They believe old age starts at 60, which is later than in the past. This hopeful attitude is tied to the country’s culture of respecting elders and strong family and community ties.

At the same time, Malaysia faces challenges as its population ages. To keep this positive outlook alive, the country must invest in health and social support systems for its elderly.

With good planning and care, Malaysians can expect to live their later years with health, happiness, and dignity.