In 2020, Malaysia officially transitioned into an aging society, with individuals aged 65 and above comprising over 7% of the population. This demographic shift reflects a global trend driven largely by the aging of the Baby Boomer generation (born between1946–1964), marking the beginning of a prolonged period of population aging and raising critical questions about what it means to age gracefully. Against this backdrop, this study examines the complex realities of aging among Malaysia’s middle-class elderly across Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities, shedding light on their diverse experiences and challenges. While financial stability is often assumed to be a key factor in enabling graceful aging, the middle class represents a complex and varied spectrum of social, cultural, and economic circumstances, challenging such generalised assumptions. This research adopts a qualitative approach, utilising in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 24 participants from these ethnic groups and employing thematic analysis to examine the complexities of aging across them. The findings reveal common challenges, including social isolation, financial insecurity, health vulnerabilities, and the pervasive role of cultural values in shaping perceptions of aging. These findings highlight the intricate relationship between cultural and structural factors that influence aging within Malaysia’s multicultural society and emphasise the need for targeted interventions in elder care. By exploring the experiences of Malaysia’s middle-class elderly, this study addresses a significant gap in the literature on aging in Malaysia. It calls for a restructuring of social support systems to promote healthier aging through comprehensive approaches.

Authors:
Prasana Fernandez, Xiamen University Malaysia, Malaysia
Linda Tan, Xiamen University Malaysia, Malaysia
Lai Fong Yang, BNU-HKBU United International College, China

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Prasana Rosaline Fernandez is currently an Assistant Professor with Xiamen University, Malaysia. I am currently working on a grant on aging population in Malaysia.

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