Zarihah Zain

Yesterday, the National Council of Women’s Organisations Malaysia (NCWO) marked its 65th National Women’s Day Celebration with a theme that could not have been more timely: “Healthy Ageing for Women in a Sustainable Silver Economy”. The luncheon at Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur was graced by Her Royal Highness Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud, the Tunku Ampuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan. It was both a celebration and a glimpse of what healthy ageing can look like.

When The Grey Wave column began earlier this year, its purpose was never simply to talk about old age. It was to ask whether Malaysia was preparing for the country we are becoming. Are our health systems ready for an older population? Can Malaysians afford to grow old? Who will care for those who become frail or dependent? What happens when families can no longer provide all the care that older parents need? Do older Malaysians have enforceable rights, or are we still relying on kindness?

“Learning has no age limit. Neither should living.” Imagine being 75 years old. Would you want your future defined by frequent hospital visits, social isolation and dependence on others?