In 2024, the share of the Malaysian population aged over 65 years was at *** percent, an increase compared to *** percent in the previous year. Malaysia is currently facing the prospect of an aging population, and the latest statistical data predicted this to be happening as soon as in 2030. Aging population by 2030? An aging population is defined as one in which those aged 65 years and above make up at least 15 percent of the total population. According to a statement by Malaysia’s Chief Statistician in July 2019, the 15 percent threshold would be crossed in 2030. The past ten years have seen a change in Malaysia’s age structure. The share of the population between 0 and 14 years had been decreasing steadily, while the inverse was true for those aged 65 and above. The average age of the Malaysian population reflected this trend, and was expected to reach **** years in 2030, up from **** years in 2015. Is Malaysia ready for an aging society? Academics fear that Malaysian society would not be ready to meet the needs of a rapidly aging society. In a survey on aging, more than ** percent of Malaysian respondents felt that it was the duty of the young to take care of the elderly. This mindset places the burden of care on a shrinking base of young people. Not only that, it could contribute to the underdevelopment of social services for the elderly. Already, more Malaysians seemed pessimistic about aging. Existing problems such as a lack of professional caregivers, affordable care, and elderly-friendly housing, especially in rural areas, need to be quickly addressed before the silver tsunami overwhelms the country.

As of June 2024, there were approximately 320,490 residents between the ages of 30 to 34 years old in Singapore, making it the largest age group among its resident population. This reflects the increasingly aging population of Singapore, a significant demographical shift that will have long-lasting socio-economic repercussions. Living longer… The improvements in health care and quality of life has led to Singapore having one of the highest life expectancies in the world. Coupled with one of the lowest fertility rate globally, Singapore society faces a crisis of aging. The average age of its resident population is projected to increase to just under 51 years old by 2050. …and working longer The prospect of an aging population is worrying for a country whose most important resource is its people. The current retirement age of 62 would no longer be tenable when close to half the population is expected to be aged 65 years or older by 2050. There is already a trend of elderly workers re-entering the workforce, be it to keep themselves occupied or to support themselves financially. The share of the population who would be working well into old age looks set to increase in the future, as a majority of Singaporeans have indicated that they were not financially prepared for old age.Singapore is well-known for its emphasis on career and shunning welfare policies; however, there is an urgent need to rethink and overhaul its social security and medical care systems to weather the silver tsunami that is set to engulf the island state.