LU 3 Ageing, Society and Modernization

What is ageing?

What is ageing?

• The gradual and natural process of changes in physical, physiological, and psychological aspects that occur as organisms grow older

• Biological age : How old a person seems

• Chronological age : The number of years a person has been alive

What are the five states with the highest older population?

1. Perak

2. Kedah

3. Sarawak

4. Pulau Pinang

5. Perlis

What are the categories of old people?

• Pre elderly : 50- 59 years old

• Older adults : >60 years old (According to Ministry of Health Malaysia 2019), >65 years old (According to WHO, 2023)

What are the biological factors of ageing?

• Primary aging - due to mollecular & cellular changes

• Changes in skin texture, skin appearance, hair colour and more pigmentation

• Secondary aging : due to controllable factors such as lack of physical exercise, poor diet & nutrition, stress

What are the social and psychological changes in aging?

1. The challenge to embrace integrity versus despair - Integrity : learn new skills, practice new activities, peacefully prepare for the end of life ; Despair : regrets or disappointment with their lives

2. Male versus females faced the loss of their spouse differently- Females tend to enjoy a new sense of freedom while males tend to remarry

What are the ageing issues or challenges in Malaysia?

1. Age-related diseases

2. Mental health issues

3. Deterioration in physical and functional abilities

4. Deterioration in hearing/ visual abilites

5. Financial insecurity or poverty

6. Lack of family or social support

7. Elder abuse and neglect

8. Use of many medications

9. Death and dying

Explain about the aging issues for age-related diseases

As the body’s system decline, the risk of age related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s), cancer, diabetes and also urinary incontinence increases

Explain about the aging issues for mental health issues

• Develop into loneliness, social and isolation

• Develop cognitive impairments such as dementia

Explain about the aging issues for deterioration in physical and functional abilities

• Loss of muscle mass lead to poor muscle strength that causes muscle weakness and poor body balance

• Functional limitations lead to depression and poor quality of life

Explain about the aging issues for financial insecurity or poverty

• Inadequate pensions and savings due to reduced employment opportunities

• Some work beyond retirement age to save some money for use

Explain about the aging issues for lack of family or social support

• Lack of financial or emotional support from family

• Lack of social support among urban dwellers

Explain about the aging issues for Elder abuse and neglect

• physical abuse

• sexual abuse

• psychological abuse

• failure to provide adequate care

• financial abuse

Explain about the aging issues for use of many medications

• older adults use 4 or more medications

• due to suffer from hypertension, heart problem, diabetes

• increase risk of falls, hearing impairment and liver ilness

Explain about the aging issues for death and dying

• 5 stages : denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance

What are the societal and modernization changes / Impact on the Malaysian ageing population for Urbanization and Migration?

• Younger family members move to urban centers for better job opportunities and left behind the older people

• Implications: the older people have lack of family support

What are the societal and modernization changes / Impact on the Malaysian ageing population For healthcare transition and demands?

• Transition happen due to projection of aging population and changing healthcare needs

• Implications : a growing demand for specialized geriatric care services including dementia care

What are the societal and modernization changes / Impact on the Malaysian ageing population For economic challenges and retirement?

• as more individuals enter retirement age, there’s a strain on the pension system

• Implications : development of sustainable retirement plans are required

What are the societal and modernization changes / Impact on the Malaysian ageing population For intergenerational relationships

• shifting in cultural norms and values affect how the older adults are perceived and treated

• implications : poor or better support and care that older individuals receive from their families

What are the societal and modernization changes / Impact on the Malaysian ageing population for social welfare and elderly care?

• the shift from extended families to nuclear families influences the availability of familial care for older adults

• implications: the government and private sectors need to invest to improve access to older adult’s care facilities

What are the societal and modernization changes / Impact on the Malaysian ageing population for elderly empowerment?

• modernization has the potential to empower older adults to remain active contributors to society

• Implications : develop and enhance programs for older adults to share their skills eg : Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (PAWE)

What are the societal and modernization changes / Impact on the Malaysian ageing population for age friendly cities

• To cater the need of all age groups

• Implications : features such as pedestrian friendly streets and well designed public spaces to promote the well being of older adults

What are the societal and modernization changes / Impact on the Malaysian ageing population for elder abuse and neglect?

• Abuse such as financial scams

• Implications : adequate safeguards and educational programs to protect older adults from abuse and neglect

What are the societal and modernization changes / Impact on the Malaysian ageing population for end of life career?

• as medical advancement continue, there are more choices in terms of end of life care

• Implications : discussions about advanced care planning, palliative care and hospice service