25/05/2025

ON SUNDAY MAY 25, 2025 theSunday Special XI

The growing presence of an ageing population is putting pressure on healthcare systems that must keep up.

Turning grey into gold THE data we’ve presented today likely shows where help is most needed and where fresh ideas will matter most in keeping communities strong and future-ready. Malaysia’s ageing population doesn’t have to be just a challenge. It could also be an opportunity. Back in 2020, the World Bank wrote in its report A Silver Lining that “har nessing the productive potential of persons age 50 and above can help miti gate the growth effects of ageing”. In essence, creating environments where older adults can continue to con tribute through flexible, age-friendly employment, upskilling opportunities and community engagement would not only support their well-being but also strengthen the economy. By planning ahead, investing in support systems and reimagining what age ing can look like, Malaysia has the chance to build a society where growing older doesn’t mean being left behind, but staying active, valued and con nected. These are the states where young families, students and future workers are most concentrated. While they may not be ageing as quickly as other places, they still need to keep up with the demand for job opportunities and infrastructure, such as schools, housing and public transportation. demographic soon to place “unprecedented demands” on the nation’s care system. Where Malaysia is staying young (2024) While some states are growing older, others remain home to large populations of young people. As of 2024, these states have the highest share of residents aged 30 and below: • Sabah tops the list, with 65% of its population aged 30 or younger, that’s over 2.4 million out of 3.74 million people. • Kelantan follows closely at 64%. • Terengganu comes next with 63%. • Melaka DQG /DEXDQ URXQG RXW WKH WRS ¿YH HDFK ZLWK DURXQG 60%.

Selangor saw the largest increase in both total number and speed, from 300,000 to 834,000, adding 533,000 seniors; a jump of 178%.”

• Johor grew by 85% , adding 212,000 elderly residents, for a total of 462,000 in 2024. • Negeri Sembilan increased by 79% , from 84,000 to 150,000. Where most seniors are living now (2024) Although the number of elderly people has increased across the country, some states now carry a heavier load of Malaysia’s ageing population. • Selangor has the highest number of seniors, around 834,000 people aged 60 and above. • Johor follows with 462,000 . • Perak , long known for its slower population growth, has 370,000 seniors. • Sarawak and Sabah are not far behind, with 327,000 and 309,000 , respectively. But it’s not just about the numbers, it’s also about proportion. In some states, seniors make up a larger slice of the

population. Here’s where older adults make up the biggest share: • Perak leads, with 14% of its popula tion aged 60 and above, that’s about 1 in every 7 people. • Pulau Pinang , Sarawak and Kedah each have around 13% or roughly 1 in every 8 people. • Negeri Sembilan follows with just over 12%, meaning about one in every nine people there is a senior. Together, these numbers show not just how fast things are changing, but also where the weight of an older popula tion is being felt most right now. They underscore the growing need for better healthcare, more accessible public spaces and smoother mobility options to help older Malaysians stay active and comfort able in their communities. The United Nations Development Pro gramme (UNDP) noted this in a statement last year, describing Malaysia as being at a “critical juncture” with the rising elderly