Latest news with #ArunMenon


The Sun
15 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Malaysia urged to boost healthcare, social support for ageing population
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia needs to focus on healthcare and social support systems to ensure a healthy and dignified ageing process for its population, according to market research firm Ipsos Sdn Bhd. A recent Ipsos survey titled Attitudes Towards Ageing 2025 revealed that Malaysians expect to live an average of 15 years in their senior years. The study also found that Malaysians now consider old age to begin at 60, compared to 56 seven years ago. The survey noted that Malaysia and Southeast Asia show a more positive outlook on ageing compared to developed nations, where longer lifespans do not always translate to optimism. 'This outlook among Malaysians may be influenced by cultural values that respect the elderly, as well as support from family and the community,' Ipsos stated. Despite this positivity, Malaysia faces challenges as it is projected to become an ageing nation by 2043. 'Malaysia must prioritise investment in healthcare and social support to ensure people age healthily and meaningfully,' Ipsos emphasised. The survey involved 23,745 adults under 75 across 32 countries, with old age perceptions varying globally. France defines old age at 72, Thailand at 68, Great Britain at 67, Japan at 65, the Philippines at 60, and Indonesia at 59. Ipsos Managing Director Arun Menon highlighted that Malaysia's perception of old age has shifted by four years since 2018. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced the National Ageing Blueprint (NAB) 2025–2045 to ensure inclusive development for the elderly. The NAB includes plans for an efficient Long-Term Care system, elderly care regulations, and social protection for caregivers. - Bernama

Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Malaysians more upbeat on ageing, survey finds
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox A positive outlook could be influenced by cultural values, strong family ties, and community support. KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysians are feeling more optimistic about growing older, with the age at which they consider someone 'old' shifting upwards in recent years, according to new research by Ipsos Malaysia. A survey by the market research firm found that the average Malaysian now believes 'old age' begins at 60 - four years later than generally thought in 2018. 'Across 32 countries, the average age at which people say 'old age' begins is 66. 'Despite the world's ageing population, perceptions have remained largely unchanged since 2018, (but) Malaysians stand out as an exception,' Ipsos Malaysia managing director Arun Menon said on Aug 11. Six in 10 Malaysians expressed optimism about life in their later years, a sentiment more common in South-east Asia than in developed countries. In contrast, people in countries with higher life expectancy are generally less likely to look forward to old age. 'Malaysians, along with their South-east Asian peers, are looking forward to an old age. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Keppel to sell M1's telco business to Simba for $1.43b, says deal expected to benefit consumers Business Singtel, StarHub shares fall after announcement of Keppel's M1 sale Singapore ST Explains: Who owns Simba, the company that is buying M1? Singapore Simba-M1 deal is S'pore's first telco merger, after years of liberalisation Singapore Hyflux issued preference shares to fund Tuaspring as it had problems getting bank loans: Prosecution Singapore S'pore Govt asks inactive political parties including Barisan Sosialis for proof of existence Singapore Man's claim amid divorce that his mother is true owner of 3 properties cuts no ice with judge Opinion Anwar's government: Full house but plenty of empty offices 'In developed countries, a longer life expectancy and a higher threshold for what is considered 'old age' do not translate into positive sentiment,' Mr Arun added. Ipsos said this positive outlook was probably influenced by cultural values that respect the elderly, strong family ties, and community support, which help reduce anxiety about ageing. The study also found that Malaysians tend to underestimate their actual life expectancy, a pattern seen in many nations. However, Mr Arun cautioned that challenges lie ahead. 'Malaysia is projected to become an aged nation by 2043. 'With the average Malaysian expecting to live 15 years into old age, the country must begin to prioritise investments in healthcare and social support systems to ensure (this) positive outlook is supported by a system that allows Malaysians to live their later years with health, dignity, and fulfilment,' he added. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK


The Star
a day ago
- Health
- The Star
Malaysians more upbeat on ageing, survey finds
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are feeling more optimistic about growing older, with the age at which they consider someone 'old' shifting upwards in recent years, according to new research by Ipsos Malaysia. A survey by the market research firm found that the average Malaysian now believes 'old age' begins at 60 – four years later than generally thought in 2018. "Across 32 countries, the average age at which people say 'old age' begins is 66. "Despite the world's ageing population, perceptions have remained largely unchanged since 2018, (but) Malaysians stand out as an exception," Ipsos Malaysia managing director Arun Menon said on Monday (Aug 11). Six in 10 Malaysians expressed optimism about life in their later years, a sentiment more common in South-East Asia than in developed countries. In contrast, people in countries with higher life expectancy are generally less likely to look forward to old age. "Malaysians, along with their South-East Asian peers, are looking forward to an old age. "In developed countries, a longer life expectancy and a higher threshold for what is considered 'old age' do not translate into positive sentiment,' Arun added. Ipsos said this positive outlook was probably influenced by cultural values that respect the elderly, strong family ties, and community support, which help reduce anxiety about ageing. The study also found that Malaysians tend to underestimate their actual life expectancy, a pattern seen in many nations. However, Arun cautioned that challenges lie ahead. "Malaysia is projected to become an aged nation by 2043. "With the average Malaysian expecting to live 15 years into old age, the country must begin to prioritise investments in healthcare and social support systems to ensure (this) positive outlook is supported by a system that allows Malaysians to live their later years with health, dignity, and fulfilment," he added.


Focus Malaysia
08-07-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Fewer Malaysians believe country is in decline, Ipsos poll shows
A SURVEY has revealed that Malaysians are showing less negativity about the state of the country. According to a study done by Ipsos Malaysia, the proportion of those who believe that the country is in decline has decreased by 12% while the number who feel that society is broken has fallen by 3%. 'Despite this improved outlook, about two-thirds of Malaysians still perceive a significant societal divide and an economic imbalance that favors the rich and powerful elites,' said its managing director Arun Menon. 'This sentiment highlights a potential push for social change and a need to rebuild trust in key institutions. To address these concerns, half of Malaysians believe that a strong leader—one who is willing to break the rules—is necessary.' Arun said as the world faces growing uncertainties and emerging challenges, Malaysia, like many other nations, must prepare for potential disruptions. 'In these turbulent times, fostering social cohesion through effective leadership is essential to ensuring a stable future for all Malaysians,' he added. ‒ July 8, 2025