Media Statement

34th INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS 2024 (IDOP2024)

Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide

The International Day of Older Persons is observed every year on 1st October since its establishment on 14th December 1990 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA Resolution 45/106). For Malaysia, the first National Day of Older Persons (Sambutan Hari Warga Tua Kebangsaan) was celebrated on 1st October 1992 and has since been commemorated at federal, state and local levels.

The IDOP2024 theme this year is “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide”1. As the older population is increasing rapidly in all parts of the world, this demographic shift is transforming the caregiving landscape - encompassing both paid and unpaid care in formal and informal settings. The demand for health and social care has grown substantially, whether at home, in the community or in institutions. Malaysia is no exception to this global trend as the country transitions from traditional family caregiving to an increasingly market-driven aged care system, with a growing role for the State in ensuring adequate social protection, health and long-term care provisions, including opportunities for lifelong learning and old-age employment.

We are particularly encouraged that the Madani Government has recognized and is committed to investing in the ‘Care Economy’ as a pillar of national development. Echoing the need for more training and education in gerontology and geriatrics, Malaysia must acknowledge the invaluable contributions of family caregivers and care workers, especially women who are often undervalued and undercompensated. Care and support for older persons require a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach, as key actors span across different sectors (public and private) at all levels of administration (federal, state/region, local). Without effective coordination and prioritization, the rights of older Malaysian to a dignified old age may be compromised, leaving them vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It is time for us to assess what can be done to modernize the aged care industry and ensuring it aligns with the evolving needs and aspiration of our older persons and their families.

To this end, the Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing®), Universiti Putra Malaysia is actively collaborating with dedicated partners to strengthen care and support systems for older persons from a life course perspective. In conjunction with the IDOP2024, MyAgeing® is organizing a two-day conference from 23 - 24 October 2024 at Putrajaya. The National Conference on Ageing (NCA2024) is held biennially and serves as a platform for disseminating research findings to inform and promote evidence-based policymaking. In commemoration of the National Day of Older Persons 2024, we wish to honour the wisdom, resilience, and contributions of our elders, and committing ourselves to the creation of a Society that values and supports their dignity, health, and happiness.

P.M Dr. Rahimah IBRAHIM (imahibrahim@upm.edu.my)
Director, Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing®),
Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor

Date of Input: 01/10/2024 | Updated: 01/10/2024 | norhanika