IMPORTANT dates

Malaysia, like other developing countries around the world, is ageing rapidly. The steady decline in fertility and mortality, as well as rising life expectancy of the population, has lead to a demographic transition that presages the rise of new generations. Growth of older population, in both absolute and proportionate terms, is rapidly changing the age-sex structure of our society. In the 2000 National Census, 6.1 percent of the total population of 1.45 million persons age aged 60 years or over. Come 2030. Malaysia will achieve full ‘aged’ nation status when our proportion of older persons hits the 15 percent mark, according to medium projections by the United Nations (2004).

The increase in the number of the elderly is a positive indicator of the country’s successful development plans. With better standards of living and greater access to health care facilities, Malaysians are living longer than before and many can expert to live to a ripe old age. Like many other ageing populations around the world, this unprecedented phenomenon comes with its own opportunities and challenges. The Conference Organizers, in bridging together key role players, hope to unite efforts in highlighting various issues pertaining to older persons in Malaysia.