Mon Sep 09 16:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Malaysia Faces Looming Demographic Shift: Elderly Population to Outnumber Children by 2039
**PETALING JAYA** – Malaysia is on the verge of a significant demographic shift, with the number of senior citizens projected to surpass the number of children under 14 years old by 2039, according to the Statistics Department (DOSM).
The department’s latest data reveals that the elderly population is expected to reach 6.17 million by 2039, while the number of children under 14 is projected to be around 6.11 million. This shift underscores the increasing proportion of older individuals in Malaysia’s population.
The Chief Statistician, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, highlighted the growing elderly population, stating that 11.6% of Malaysia’s population is currently over 60 years old, a substantial increase from 5.4% in 1970. This proportion is projected to further rise to 17.3% by 2040.
To provide comprehensive data on this crucial demographic trend, DOSM has launched the MyAgeing Dashboard, which offers detailed statistics on age structure, ageing trends, and life expectancy at both national and district levels. The dashboard is accessible online at http://www.dosm.gov.my/MyAgeing.
Experts have attributed this demographic shift to factors such as healthier lifestyles and declining birth rates.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, chairman of the Alliance For A Safe Community, emphasized the need for clear policies to support the growing elderly population, calling for more government programs and employment opportunities for seniors still capable of working.
Dr Julitta Onabanjo, UNFPA Country Representative Malaysia, echoed the call for a “Care Economy” in her National Day message, stressing the importance of improving the country’s care infrastructure to cater to the needs of its aging population.
Dr Azreen Ilias, a senior lecturer at Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten), further underscored the crucial role of caregivers in supporting the elderly and addressing their physical and emotional challenges. She advocates for programs and grants to support caregivers, recognizing the impact such initiatives can have on both the well-being of caregivers and the quality of care provided to senior citizens.
The increasing number of senior citizens in Malaysia necessitates a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of this growing population. This includes developing policies that cater to the elderly’s diverse needs, supporting caregivers, and investing in infrastructure to ensure the well-being of Malaysia’s senior citizens.
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