The elderly in Malaysia: demographic trends

The process of development in Malaysia has brought about significant socioeconomic and demographic transformations. Reduction in fertility and mortality, have resulted in increasing survival of populations to later life. Thus the proportion of the elderly is increasing. Population ageing, the most salient change affecting the demographic profile of Malaysia, will have a significant impact on the patterns of socio-economic development. In order to anticipate and respond in time to the far reaching socio-economic and humanitarian implications of ageing, it is imperative that the magnitude and the
momentum of its occurrence need to be recognised.
This paper looks at demographic trends, disease profile as well as health policy implications of ageing in Malaysia.