Malaysia City for Ageing Population (MCAP): Framework and Strategies

MALAYSIA CITY FOR AGEING POPULATION (MCAP): FRAMEWORK AND STRATEGIES

Project Leader:

Ts. Dr Kushairi Rashid

Team Member:

Prof Madya Sr Dr Thuraiya Mohd

Dr Zulkarnain Hazim

Dr Azhan Abdul Aziz

Izrahayu Che Hashim

Siti Noorhawa Azyze Binti Ellah Azyze (Contract Staff/ RA)

UiTM Cawangan Perak

ABSTRACT

Malaysia is predicted to become ageing nation by the year 2035 with 15% of the nation population are in the older people. Malaysia was identified to have shorter time to prepare its cities for ageing population, therefore, it is critically important to determine the immediate needs of older people based on local context. Nevertheless, a clear mechanism to achieve the state of age-friendly city environment remains a subject for exploration. In this regard, the study was conducted to propose quick-win strategies to adapt Malaysia cities with ageing population. Three objectives that include to identify demographical pattern and distribution of older people in Malaysia city centres, identify dimension and features in existing age-friendly city framework and determine key city dimensions and features that are suitable based on Malaysia development context, were set as based to manoeuvre the study. The research is based on deductive quantitative research approach in which structured survey was selected as the main research strategy. The study that were conducted in Larut Matang and Kinta, mukim with the highest percentages of older people in Perak, identified 25 features as important, therefore considered to form the Malaysia Cities for Ageing Population (MCAP) Framework and Strategies. It is endeavoured, that the study findings, framework and strategies outlines able to become a stepping stone to further develop age-friendly city for ageing population, rejuvenate city centre through better spatial planning and utilise available city attributes for maximise social capital building and economic advancement. Importantly, the findings should be critically considered by all stakeholders to assist Malaysia to accommodate growing ageing population to age in place, especially in the city.

Keywords: Age Friendly City Framework, Active Ageing, Ageing Population, Malaysia