LETTERS: The 2023 United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP) is themed "Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Bridging Generational Divides".
Every Nov 1, UNIDOP highlights the unique challenges faced by older individuals, celebrating their contributions and drawing attention to the infringement of their rights.
Central to this is fostering intergenerational solidarity, anchored in equity and reciprocity.
Key objectives of UNIDOP 2023 include:
PROMOTING awareness. Enhancing global understanding of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and urging all stakeholders to reinforce the rights of the current and upcoming generations of older individuals.
FOSTERING intergenerational cohesion. Drawing from and advancing models that emphasise intergenerational respect and the promotion of human rights universally.
METHODOLOGICAL revisions. Prompting governments and UN entities to adopt a lifecycle approach to human rights, recognising the indispensable contributions of diverse participants, notably civil society, national human rights institutions and senior citizens themselves.
In Malaysia, the Madani Economy framework, conceived to boost the holistic wellbeing of its citizens, should encompass a comprehensive healthcare and welfare strategy for its expanding older population.
Given the prevalence of chronic ailments and health-related issues in this demographic, having a robust healthcare infrastructure is imperative.
However, initial analyses suggest a conspicuous absence of adequate provisions for senior Malaysians.
This oversight may exacerbate health and socio-economic inequalities for elderly citizens.
This could precipitate deteriorations in life quality and increase mortality rates among this group.
Recent data is concerning. Malaysia has seen a rise in elder abuse, predominantly among parents.
A September 2022 report from Bukit Aman federal police showed a distressing data: daily abuse of at least four parents, constituting more than 20 per cent of the country's domestic violence incidents.
This surpasses spousal abuse cases.
Between 2018 and 2022, an alarming 12,987 domestic violence cases were reported involving family members, such as parents, children and even grandparents. Spousal cases stood at 10,925 in the same period.
As articulated by Assistant Commissioner Siti Kamsiah Hassan of Bukit Aman's Sexual, Women and Child Investigations Division (D11), 20 per cent of cases (456 out of 2,355) between January and April 2022 involved parental abuse. A large segment of victims were 60 years and above.
The prevalent belief that domestic violence involves only spouses obscures the rising incidents involving the elderly.
Disagreements over money and drug-related conflicts are primary triggers. Often, aggressors, driven by drug-related needs, resort to violence when their demands for money are denied. Many abuse cases remain unreported until they reach alarming intensities.
This surge in elder maltreatment underscores Malaysia's pressing obligation to overhaul its older persons care paradigm. Echoing the ethos of UNIDOP 2023, Malaysia must urgently address and rectify these concerns.
The Madani Economy framework, while commendable in its intent, must incorporate a vigorous health and welfare strategy for seniors.
By adopting such measures, Malaysia can safeguard the wellbeing, respect and rights of its senior populace, aligning itself with global human rights norms.
DR CHEE KWAN FOONG & PROFESSOR LONG CHIAU MING
School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times