As Malaysia edges closer to aged-nation status, conversations about ageing can no longer be postponed. They must be confronted honestly, inclusively, and with a deep respect for the lived experiences of older Malaysians. The Great Eastern–MyAgeing Retirement Symposium 2025, held on 22 November 2025 at Menara Great Eastern and supported by UNFPA, did exactly that—bringing together experts, practitioners, and community partners to explore how we can add more life, not just years, to our ageing journey.

The theme, “Multidimensional Ageing and the Longevity Dividend,” reminds us that ageing is not a single-story narrative. It cuts across health, finances, emotional well-being, family connections, and the environment we live in. To age well, all these dimensions must be addressed together.

The Hard Realities: What Older Malaysians Are Really Facing

One of the most pressing questions raised during the first panel was the sustainability of long-term care. Who pays? Who provides? And how do we ensure quality and dignity?
These are not theoretical questions. They affect real people—older adults who worry about becoming a burden, and families who struggle to balance caregiving with work and financial obligations.

Financial preparedness remains another major concern. While we often encourage people to save, the truth is that many Malaysians simply do not have access to reliable pension schemes. As highlighted during the discussion, we cannot rely on the State alone. Financial security in old age requires collective responsibility—individual, family, private sector, and government working together.

At the same time, we must not overlook the everyday challenges seniors face:

• loneliness,
• mobility limitations,
• unsuitable housing,
• and the fear of losing independence.

These challenges are not just statistics. They are personal stories shared by our mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, neighbours, and community elders.

Ageing Well Requires Inner Preparedness Too

The second panel emphasised a truth often overshadowed by policy and finance: ageing is also an emotional journey. Life transitions, identity shifts, and the need for purpose do not disappear with age. If anything, they grow more important.

Learning to coach ourselves—to reflect, adapt, and embrace change—can help us navigate these transitions more gracefully. And as I often say, the best investment we can make is in our own well-being:

• staying physically active,
• keeping our minds engaged,
• nurturing friendships,
• and finding meaning in daily living.

These are the foundations of good ageing, and they can be cultivated long before we reach old age.

A Spotlight on Practical Solutions: iElder’s Contribution

The exhibition space at the symposium offered a meaningful look at how different organisations are contributing to Malaysia’s ageing landscape. Alongside Perkeso, EPF, MyAgeing, HUPM, and others, iElder showcased one of the most often overlooked—but most impactful—areas in ageing: home safety and environment design.

So many seniors want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Yet their homes are not always designed to support them as they grow older.

iElder highlighted simple but transformative home modifications—grab bars, improved lighting, safer bathroom layouts, and more. These are not luxuries. They are essential tools that protect older adults from falls, one of the most common and devastating risks in later life.

What stood out most was iElder’s recent initiative with Monash University Malaysia, supporting B40 elders (our Pakcik) by upgrading their bedrooms and bathrooms. This is preventive care at its best: practical, affordable, and deeply respectful of the dignity of older persons.

When we make homes safer, we are not just preventing falls—we are preserving independence, confidence, and quality of life.