Running on the theme, “Age Inclusiveness & Supportive Environments”, the Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) held a media roundtable on ageing on Monday, January 18 at M Boutique Hotel.
The objective was to share information on population-ageing, promote a holistic approach to understanding old age and strengthen the use of research data through media engagement in improving the well-being of older Malaysians.
While the family continues to be the main provider of care for older Malaysians, there is a growing debate regarding the roles of the state, market and voluntary sectors. In the age of the internet, the media wield significant soft power that can be highly persuasive. For example, a demographic “crisis” narrative may convey a sense of urgency to act on the phenomenon of rapid population ageing.
“Malaysia is ageing at lower levels of development and it presents both opportunities and challenges for national development. The increase in the proportion of older persons requires a rethinking in health and social care provisions,” concluded Professor Dr Tengku Aizan Hamid, the institute’s Director.
“Ten years ago, a forum on ageing in Kota Bharu was one of our earliest engagement with the media. The institute welcomes the prospect of working with the media as partners in our dissemination efforts,” she added.
Present at the enlightening session were Professor Datuk Dr Mad Nasir Shamsudin, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) of UPM and Professor Dr Esther Gunaseli, the Consultant Psychiatrist of UniKL Royal College of Medicine Perak cum the Chairperson of the Dementia Society Perak.
Mei Kuan
