KUALA LUMPUR, Jul 29 (IPS) – As it is predicted that by 2060, more than 1.2 billion people in Asia will be aged 65 or over, and by embracing technology, including intelligence technology, it is possible to plan for an effective and satisfactory ageing, existing policy makers . regional meeting on Aging Preparedness and the Care Economy in Asia heard.
The meeting, convened by the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) Malaysia, looked at several aspects of ageing, including the use of technology, digital health solutions and assistive technology, all aimed at ensuring that governments have policy and funding in place to ensure that older people are cared for. enough.
His Excellency. Dato’ Hjh Mumtaz Md Nawi, Member of Parliament of Malaysia, briefly explained the consequences of this human habit.
“The consequences of this aging trend are profound, affecting everything from labor markets to health care systems. A growing aging population will require significant investment in health care infrastructure and long-term care services.”
For parliamentarians, this means establishing policies that support lifelong learning, senior employment, and gender equality, which will be necessary to increase the economic contributions of older adults while reducing the risks associated with aging.
AFPPD Malaysia President, Hon. Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, reminded the audience that aging will affect women differently than men, especially since they have a longer lifespan and currently make up 61 percent of the population aged 80 and over.
“Despite having a higher life expectancy than men, older women are often subject to the combined effect of ageism and gender discrimination, which is prevalent in the social system and in the workplace. “Ageism refers to the systematic discrimination and discrimination that older people face,” Linggi noted.
Women often had to retire early, while men were able to continue their careers well into their 60s.
“China serves as an example, enforcing a 10-year gender gap by requiring women who work in public institutions to retire at age 50, while allowing men to retire at age 60. A gap of one year.”
This age discrimination unfairly limits “women’s opportunities for career advancement, resulting in unequal treatment and compensation.”
Linggi urged the lawmakers to remove the barriers of lack of age and ensure that social protection includes women, especially those in the informal sector, reduce poverty and vulnerability, reduce exposure to accidents, and improve the ability of workers to protect themselves from losing money and give them. equitable access to health care services.
He pointed out that Malaysia’s Self-Employed Scheme (SPS) in Budget 2024 aims to provide comprehensive social protection, targeting women who work in the informal sector. This program entitles them to access to a number of benefits, including health coverage and compensation for temporary and permanent disabilities resulting from work-related injuries.
The Speaker of the Parliament of Malaysia HE Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr.) Johari Bin Abdul reiterated the challenges of the lawmakers for the elderly and caregivers saying it is important to invest and strengthen social protection programs and health care services; developing sustainable ways to support the elderly; improving the skills of people of working age and creating productive and dignified jobs for the elderly; and investing in research and development of new technologies and solutions that improve the quality of life of the elderly, enabling them to live longer independently; while recognizing the importance of care work, the importance of unpaid care work and promoting shared responsibilities within the framework of the care economy.
“As members of parliament, we have an important responsibility in developing and implementing policies that cater to the needs of the elderly. We can lead the development of inclusive policies, propose and approve legislation to protect the rights and welfare of older people, and act as advocates to increase public awareness. Additionally, members of parliament can oversee the implementation of policies and programs, ensure that government agencies deliver effective services to the aging community and hold them accountable when necessary. In conclusion, let us unite to face these challenges with courage, compassion and foresight.”
His Excellency. Dr. Hajah Halimah Ali, a Member of Parliament in Malaysia, said that although technology is often associated with the youth, it also provides opportunities to improve the health of the elderly.
“As a result, the term ‘Gerontechnology’—technology designed to address the special needs of the elderly—has gained worldwide recognition and should be at the core of any policy regarding the elderly and technology.”
Ali noted that Japan and South Korea are making efforts to reform elder care, including addressing social isolation and loneliness.
For example, in Japan, the development of robotic caregivers such as the PARO therapy robot has shown great benefits in providing companionship and reducing stress for elderly patients. “These robotic pets, which learn to interact, recognize faces and respond with affection, have become very popular among the elderly.”
In South Korea, AI technology has been integrated into care facilities.
“AI systems can detect falls, monitor sleep patterns, and alert caregivers to any unusual behavior, thereby improving safety and response times. For example, a robot can sit with an elderly person living alone and call emergency services when needed. In nursing homes, robots help elderly patients with daily tasks such as emptying the toilet and helping with cleaning.”
And on a lighter note, an AI robot can “play Go with bored elderly patients,” Ali said, adding that this was not a “distant future scenario but a reality in Seoul’s smart care services, as announced by Seoul Metropolitan.” Government as part of their senior care programs.”
Senator the Hon. Datuk Wira Dr. Hatta Bin MD Ramli agreed, adding that AI-powered devices and wearables play an important role in health monitoring and telemedicine as they can “analyze individual preferences, health conditions, and daily routines, enabling personalized care and assistance.” “
Another advantage is that powerful AI sensors and smart devices can detect falls, unusual movements, or emergency situations, immediately alerting caregivers or emergency services. AI-powered medication management systems help older adults manage their medications, set dose reminders, and monitor adherence to prescribed medications.
Data analysis and AI-driven predictive modeling can identify trends, predict health outcomes, and improve the delivery of senior care.
Acting as facilitator and session chairman throughout the meeting, Hon. Howard Lee Chuan How, Vice President of AFPPD Malaysia, emphasized that the meeting aims to establish a collaborative framework to share good practices and promote international cooperation to improve policies and programs that support the elderly. He explained that although each country faces unique challenges, it is important to harmonize policies across the region in order to have a unified approach to addressing common problems so that countries are better prepared to face the challenges caused by demographic change.
“By using our shared knowledge and resources, we will strengthen our joint commitment to building a future where our elderly are respected, cared for and supported,” he said.
Note: The Asian Population and Development Association (APDA) and the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) in Malaysia organized the meeting. It is supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
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© Inter Press Service (2024) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service
