KOTA SAMARAHAN: Samarahan district has recorded among the highest life expectancy in the country over the last three years.
In the year 2022 and 2023 it recorded the highest – averages of 79.6 years for men and 79.5 years for women, according to data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM) .
Women, Childhood, and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the highest life expectancy for 2024 by district was recorded in Petaling, Selangor, at 80.2 years for both men and women, while Samarahan recorded the second highest at 79.9 years.
Aging population is a global phenomenon that is inevitable and occurring worldwide, including in Malaysia, she said, adding the impact of population aging depends on the country’s preparedness in facing this phenomenon.
“The number of people aged 60 and above in the world was estimated at 605 million in 2000. This number is expected to grow to nearly 2 billion by 2050, with those aged 60 and above now comprising 10 per cent of the world’s population,” she said.
She said this during the Samarahan Division International Day For Senior Citizens event at Pertubuhan Peladang Sarawak Building here on Saturday.
She added that based on United Nation (UN) projections, Malaysia is expected to become an aging nation by 2030, when the percentage of elderly residents aged 60 and above reaches 15 per cent of the total population.
“According to statistics released by the DoSM, the percentage of elderly people in the second quarter of 2024 was 11.6 per cent or 3.9 million of the total population of Malaysia.
“In terms of life expectancy, Malaysia recorded an increase in life expectancy to 74.8 years in 2023 compared to 63.6 years in 1970,” she said.
Fatimah said as populations around the world, including Malaysia, continue to age, the process of growing older presents challenges not only for the elderly but also for those around them.
“Among the major events the elderly will face are retirement, declining physical health, and the loss of significant people in their lives, such as spouses and peers.
“At this age, physical health also deteriorates. Diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, strokes, and heart attacks are increasingly common among the elderly in Malaysia. Memory also declines, which can disrupt the daily functioning of these seniors.
“Therefore, to prevent undesirable events, seniors are encouraged to undergo regular physical and mental health screenings from health professionals. If necessary, health professionals will identify suitable medications and psychological counseling therapy for the elderly,” she said.
Fatimah also urged senior citizens to involve themselves in the community by engaging in volunteer work and also take leadership roles in driving an organisation.
“In this way, they can remain active in suitable activities, meet people in the community, and interact with friends, indirectly preventing common problems faced by the elderly, such as dementia and depression,” she said.
