Domains Influencing Malaysia in Achieving Age-Friendly Nation Status

Abstract

An "age-friendly environment," defined by the WHO as one that is open to all people regardless of their physical or mental abilities or limitations, that promotes health, engagement, and safety, has been recommended in order to keep older people active and engaged in society. According to WHO guidelines, active aging is linked to eight domains of the age-friendly environment: urban spaces and built environment, housing, transportation, social participation, civic participation and employment, respect and social inclusion, access to community support and health services, and communication and information. By the year 2035, Malaysia is expected to be an aging nation. Urban areas are expected to be home to a large proportion of the elderly in the future, making preparations for the aging population crucial for municipal and relevant government organizations. There is a paradigm shift from the individual to the community, focusing on the dynamic interactions between individuals and the environment in which they live. In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, we gathered data from 300 participants. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to perform the analysis. The findings indicated that supportive social environments such as a community with respect and social inclusion; improved transportation services, parking facilities, health care, and economic security by prolonging employment for the senior population are contributing factors towards achieving age-friendly nation status.