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EARLY detection mechanisms must be strengthened as part of proactive efforts to address the growing number of elderly Malaysians living alone, according to ageing and public health experts.
Associate Professor Dr Rahimah Ibrahim, Director of the Institute of Gerontology (MyAgeing) at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), said the issue requires a coordinated response involving integrated data systems and collaboration between multiple agencies and community stakeholders.
“This can be implemented through data integration between agencies and cooperation involving various parties, including local communities, health facilities, the Department of Social Welfare and religious institutions,” she said in a statement.
She added that more structured and impactful strategic action is needed, including strengthening home- and community-based support systems.
“There is a need for more structured and impactful strategic action, including strengthening home and community-based support systems with active involvement from neighbours, volunteers and elderly activity centres as part of a daily support network,” she said.
Her comments come after Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reportedly highlighted a significant increase in the number of older adults living alone in Malaysia, based on findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2025.
UPM Vice-Chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah said the trend reflects more than a lifestyle shift, but rather a structural social transformation with direct implications for wellbeing, safety and quality of life among older persons.
“As more elderly people live alone, we can no longer view their care as solely a family responsibility. The reality is that today’s demographic changes and economic pressures require a more comprehensive and community-based approach,” he said.
He noted that current data shows a rising number of older people living alone or only with a spouse, driven by smaller family sizes, youth migration to urban areas and changing household economic conditions.
Dr Rahimah said this trend exposes older persons to multiple risks requiring urgent attention.
“This situation brings multidimensional risks, including delays in accessing healthcare, safety issues during emergencies without monitoring, as well as psychosocial challenges such as isolation and undetected depression.
“In this context, complete reliance on the family institution as the primary care system is no longer sufficient,” she explained.
She also highlighted that access barriers, including transport constraints identified in the NHMS 2025 findings, must be urgently addressed as they affect continuity of healthcare for the elderly.
She called for expanded mobile health services, community transport systems and outreach programmes, particularly in rural areas, to ensure no group is left behind in accessing healthcare.
At the same time, ageing issues should be elevated into a cross-sectoral policy agenda involving coordination across health, welfare, housing, transport and community development sectors, in line with the concept of age-friendly cities and communities.
Malaysia is expected to become an ageing nation within the next decade.
Experts warn that the increasing number of elderly people living alone should be viewed as an early signal of the need to develop a more inclusive, sustainable and responsive long-term care system.
“UPM remains committed to continuing its contributions through research, policy support and community interventions to ensure that every Malaysian can age with dignity and wellbeing,” she said. - April 22, 2026