Important to have social safety net for elderly, says Lam Thye
KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s proposal to introduce a legislation to safeguard the welfare of the elderly will protect them from becoming victims of neglect and abuse.
Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the study conducted by the government to introduce such a law was timely as the number of senior citizens was increasing each year.
At the World Assembly On Ageing 1982 in Vienna, Lee said, a senior citizen was defined as those aged 60 years and above.
“There are serious problems and challenges ahead given the fact that Malaysia will be considered an ageing nation as seven per cent of its population will be 65 and older by 2030.
“The new act will specifically protect the elderly and the legislation is in line with efforts to protect the rights of senior citizens, especially when it comes to issues of neglect and abuse.
“This is in view of the increasing number of cases of neglect and abuse involving senior citizens with many cases going unreported over the years,” said Lee yesterday.
Since the cost of living was expected to increase in years to come, he said it was important to provide a social safety net, including allowing healthy and experienced senior citizens to work.
“We often hear stories of senior citizens not taken care of and even left to live in deplorable conditions.
“It pains me when I read about parents being abandoned at hospitals, welfare homes or even bus stops by their children or relatives.”
He said Malaysia must have a comprehensive social security programme since studies showed that the retirement income for most of the older people was inadequate.
The country, said Lee, could emulate the approach taken by other nations, which introduced financial incentives for employers to hire or retain older workers and subsidise job training for the group.
“More non-governmental organisations should be set up to care for senior citizens who are neglected by their family members, especially those who suffer from illness.
“We need to help the elderly to remain in the community by providing day-care centres and day hospitals, social clubs, rehabilitation, counselling and consultation centres, volunteer schemes and home nursing.”
He cited “Homehelp volunteers” under the Welfare Department as an example of a support system which involved the community to create awareness among neighbours of the problems and needs of senior citizens living in their vicinity.
“The most important thing is for the younger generation to practise noble values, including respecting and caring for the elderly who have sacrificed a lot to raise us up.
“They deserve to lead a quality life in their twilight years.”