I hope some of the issues raised in the interview gets the attention of policy-makers. It's about time. Australia has a Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mr Mark Butler. Singapore has a Minister of Health, Mr Gan Kim Yong, who is also Minister in charge of Ageing Issues.
When will the government here appoint a Minister for Ageing? The number of people aged 60 years and above will hit 10% by 2020. That's when Malaysia will become an ageing country, according to UN's definition.
Is the government waiting till the percentage goes higher before taking a serious look into the needs of the elderly? Giving a one-off sum of RM500 to eligible senior citizens brings only temporary relief. So much more needs to be done to help at-risk seniors, including those in the middle income group.
