The Barriers of Financial Support Towards Successful Aging Among the Participants of Activity Center for the Older Persons in Malaysia

• Main Authors: Zainuddin, Faizah Hanim, Hamidi, Mashitah, Wahab, Haris Abd
• Format: Article
• Published: Springer 2020
• Subjects: HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/25717/; https://doi.org/10.1007/s40609-020-00182-4
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

The study aimed to explore the barriers of financial support experienced by the elderly in pursuing successful aging, and it recommends some solutions to overcome those barriers. This study adopted a qualitative case study approach using an in-depth case interview, where a thematic analysis technique was used to present study findings. This study involved 24 elderly people in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and government agencies which were related to the social welfare of the elderly. Results showed that the lack of awareness and knowledge, poor family relationships, low household incomes, and institutional constraints were among the barriers of financial support faced by the elderly which have led to a lower quality of life and thus hindered progress towards successful aging. The study recommends to minimize the reliance of elderly people on family or government by providing them with compatible income sources as well as financial management and planning at an early age. The study also recommends the policymakers to consider the skills and experiences of those elderly people before issuing any policy regarding human capital. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.