LETTERS: In less than 10 years, Malaysia will become an ageing society as 15 per cent of the population will be 60 years and older.
This means that there will be greater challenges for the government, medical profession, service industry and family members to meet the future needs of senior citizens who are a treasure of knowledge and experience.
Are we adequately prepared for what lies ahead? Already we are facing a number of issues, and if we do not address them now, the problems will only redouble by 2030.
Health is a major issue for almost everybody above 60. The government should provide them with free annual medical screening and check-ups plus treatment at government hospitals.
These should be supplemented by the provision of aids, such as hearing aids, reading glasses, wheelchairs and other essentials at subsidised costs.
Many, especially those in the B40 group, will be financially strapped. They will not have much savings.
A recent report said that at least half of Employees Provident Fund contributors will have only RM10,000 in their savings at retirement age. This is grossly inadequate even with today's cost of living.
There needs to be some social security mechanism to assist them in such cases. This could include special subsidies or discounts for groceries, utility bills and other essential services.
Lately, the "priority treatment" for senior citizens has somewhat taken a back seat.
It is saddening to see many of them queuing up for hours at the hospitals and other government institutions seeking help. This situation needs to be rectified.
Of course, there is the question of boredom and loneliness. Some are abandoned by their immediate family members and constantly be made to feel as an unnecessary burden.
This affects their mental health and causes emotional imbalances that could lead to a sense of insecurity and fear.
No doubt, generally Malaysians are a caring lot. It is not uncommon to see Malaysians giving way to senior citizens at supermarkets and vaccination centres.
However, it is still the responsibility of the government to start planning now to cater to the multifarious needs of our senior citizens.
In this connection, I wish to propose setting up a Senior Citizens Bureau to put in place all the safeguards necessary for the wellbeing of our ageing and aged population.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Chairman,
Alliance For Safe Community
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times