19/08/2025

LYFE TUESDAY | AUG 19, 2025

25 Malaysians redefining old age

M ALAYSIANS now consider old age to be 60, compared with 56 in 2018, according to a study by Ipsos. “Over the past seven years, Malaysians’ perception of what qualifies as the begining of ‘old’ age has evolved. Today, old age is considered to begin at 60 – an increase of four years. Interestingly, the shift has not occurred in other Southeast Asian countries,” said Ipsos. Across 32 countries, the average age at which people say “old age” begins is 66. Despite the world’s ageing population, perceptions of ageing itself have remained largely unchanged since 2018. People in countries with higher life expectancy are generally less likely to look forward to old age. However, Malaysians stand out as an exception. Six out of 10 Malaysians are optimistic about old age, a sentiment shared by other Southeast Asian nations, exceeding the global average. People in more developed economies are less likely to look forward to their later years. “Malaysians, along with their Southeast Asian peers, are looking forward to an old age. In developed countries, a longer life expectancy and a higher threshold for what is considered ‘old age’ do not translate into positive sentiment. “Enthusiasm rises with income, education level and distance from the perception of being old, with young BULLYING is no longer confined to the schoolyard. It has infiltrated chat rooms, social media feeds and gaming platforms, creating an environment where harassment is constant, public and hard to escape. In Malaysia, rising numbers of bullying cases both offline and online, are now colliding with another disturbing trend: increasing adolescent suicide risk. Rising tide of bullying in Malaysia Recent national figures paint a stark picture: 0 School bullying cases: The Education Ministry recorded 4,994 cases from January to October 2023. By October 2024, this figure had surged to 6,208 cases, reflecting a sustained upward trajectory. 0 Cyberbullying enforcement: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) received 8,399 cyberbullying-related reports in the first 11 months of 2024, an average of 27 per day. A total of 8,756 harmful posts were removed in 2024, almost five times more than in 2023. Calls for stronger legal and procedural remedies in 2025 have been growing, with experts urging schools to treat serious bullying as a potential criminal matter, not just a disciplinary breach. Role of online pressures Based on a 2022 research study con ducted with over 800 teenage and adolescent participants, findings showed that cyberbullying and fear of missing out (Fomo) are key contributing factors to the rise in mental health issues among young people. Fomo – a persistent anxiety about being excluded from rewarding

o Perception evolving, six out of 10 optimistic about ageing

Malaysians stand out as an exception where there is less anxiety about ageing compared to people in more developed economies.

Old age is considered to begin at 60 in Malaysia. – PEXELSPIC

expecting to live 15 years in old age, the country must begin to prioritise investments in healthcare and social support systems to ensure the country’s positive outlook on ageing is supported by a system that allows the people to live their later years with health, dignity and fulfillment.

years longer than what they expect. Japan, one of the world’s most aged societies, shows one of the highest gaps between actual and perceived life expectancy. Nonetheless, a critical challenge remains. Malaysia is projected to become an aged nation by 2043. With the average Malaysian

forward to that phase of life. In contrast, Indonesians – who see old age at 59 – are overwhelmingly optimistic about entering that phase. Malaysians, like many in other developed nations, tend to underestimate their actual life expectancy – living on an average 1.2

people more enthusiastic. The Malaysian attitude is likely to be influenced by cultural values that respect the elderly, as well as family and community support, which fosters less anxiety about ageing,” explained Ipsos. The French, who consider old age to begin at 72, generally do not look generally being

Bullying, teen suicide in Malaysia: Hidden triggers to address now experiences can push adolescents into unhealthy online habits, where comparison, competition and approval-seeking dominate.

These are the most recent nationwide figures and highlight the urgency of mental health screening for bullied or socially excluded youth. Recognising warning signs Whether the trigger is bullying, peer pressure or rejection, the red flags for suicidal risk are similar: 0 Talking or posting about death, hopelessness, or being a burden 0 Sudden withdrawal from friends, family or hobbies 0 Major changes in sleep, appetite, or mood 0 Self-harm marks or risky, impulsive behaviours 0 Declining school attendance or performance, especially after social conflicts If any of these signs appear, immediate professional assessment is critical. Breaking the cycle: Coordinated approach Parents: 0 Model healthy online habits and boundaries 0 Encourage open conversations about peer pressure and digital behaviour 0 Document and report bullying incidents early Schools: 0 Implement whole-school anti bullying policies with clear definitions and confidential reporting 0 Integrate digital citizenship and social pressure awareness into the curriculum 0 Engage parents in workshops to align home and school responses Clinics and mental health services: 0 Screen for bullying involvement

0 Some teens, fearing social exclusion, join in bullying behaviour to gain acceptance from their peer group or avoid becoming targets themselves. 0 Social media amplifies this dynamic: the more they witness peers engaging in harmful behaviour, the more normalised it feels. 0 This “peer pressure meets online influence” cycle can turn otherwise empathetic teens into active participants in bullying. Emotional fallout: Isolation and escalation The psychological damage is rarely confined to the immediate moment of bullying. Feelings of rejection or social exclusion can: 0 Intensify loneliness and isolation 0 Reduce help-seeking behaviours due to shame or fear of retaliation 0 Heighten vulnerability to self harm behaviours or suicidal tendencies This is especially dangerous when online harassment follows teens into their bedrooms at night, eliminating what used to be a safe space away from school. Teen suicide — Malaysia’s latest national picture The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022 – Adolescent Health offers sobering statistics: 0 13.1% of Malaysian adolescents, aged 13 to 17, experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year 0 10% had made a suicide plan 0 9.5% had attempted suicide 0 26.9% showed symptoms of depression

The rising number of bullying cases in schools calls for immediate action and stricter measures to curb the escalating issue. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

(as victim, perpetrator, or both) 0 Assess for suicidal risk in any teen presenting with bullying-related on resilience, social skills, and healthy peer relationship building Why early intervention matters Bullying is not a harmless rite of pas sage. It is a risk factor for lifelong mental health struggles and, in the worst cases, a trigger for suicide. What the front-line educators and cli nicians are already seeing daily: distress 0 Offer therapy focused

cyberbullying, amplified by peer influence, is shaping how young Malaysians feel about themselves, their friendships and their worth. By acknowledging the social forces that drive bullying and by addressing the fear of exclusion, we can protect young people not only from harm, but from the isolation and despair that too often follow. This article is contributed by Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital clinical psychologist Ummu Nazra Nadzam.