Investing in gerontechnology

By: Sayed Mohammad Reza Yamani Sayed Umar

As Malaysia’s population ages, gerontechnology emerges as a crucial tool for enabling older individuals to live independently, maintain social connections, and manage health issues. Combining gerontology and technology, gerontechnology aims to enhance seniors’ quality of life through assistive devices, health monitoring systems, mobility aids, and more. However, various social, economic, and cultural barriers in Malaysia impede the full adoption of these technological solutions, necessitating solution-focused approaches for optimal integration.

Malaysia officially became an ageing nation in 2021, with over 7% of its population aged 65 or older, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). This demographic shift presents both challenges and opportunities, prompting the recognition of gerontechnology’s importance in addressing the fallout of an ageing population. Nevertheless, implementing these technologies faces significant hurdles, akin to those encountered by other nations.

One significant barrier is the reluctance among older Malaysians to engage with new technologies. Research indicates that seniors often hesitate to adopt gerontechnology due to concerns about ease of use, safety, and cost. Many find these innovations daunting and complicated, further compounded by financial constraints that prevent low-income seniors from accessing devices. Additionally, inadequate training and a lack of user-friendly interfaces hinder understanding of technology, limiting the potential benefits for this demographic.

Urbanisation and long-term illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure make the need for remote monitoring and assistive devices even greater. Gerontechnology could help with this. For example, wearables that detect falls can reduce hospital stays, and AI-powered apps can support cognitive health.

The Malaysian Ministry of Health’s MySejahtera app, which was changed for seniors during COVID-19, made telemedicine easier. IoT is used in home-based care by private businesses. But these are still focused on cities, leaving rural seniors without enough help. A 2022 study by Universiti Malaya found that only 25% of seniors in Peninsular Malaysia used health apps regularly. This shows that not everyone uses the apps.

Cultural factors also play an equally important role in the adoption of gerontechnology in Malaysia. The country’s multicultural fabric encompasses various ethnic groups—Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous communities—each with distinct perspectives on ageing. Current gerontechnological products often fail to reflect the cultural and economic realities faced by these older populations. Moreover, societal expectations traditionally place the responsibility of care on families, making the use of technology for health monitoring or everyday assistance potentially stigmatized and perceived as encroaching on established caregiving norms.

A 2021 study in the Journal of Gerontechnology found that filial piety makes people less likely to “outsource” care to robots. There are big ethical issues: AI health tools with algorithmic biases could misdiagnose people from different ethnic groups, and people are worried about surveillance and privacy.

In response to the growing need for gerontechnology, the Malaysian government has initiated programs to foster research and development. The National Policy on Ageing, introduced in 1995 and updated in 2011, identifies strategic goals such as improving access to healthcare, enhancing mobility for seniors, and using technology to promote independence. A strengthened partnership between the public and private sectors is essential to creating an environment conducive to the growth of gerontechnology. Policies that promote affordability and cultural relevance in technology can help ensure that low-income seniors can access the resources they need.

Despite these challenges, Malaysia has the potential to lead in gerontechnology within ASEAN. The country benefits from a robust ICT infrastructure that enables the integration of telemedicine, remote health monitoring, and social robotics. By creating age-friendly communities and developing assistive technologies tailored to local needs, Malaysia could position itself as a hub for gerontechnological innovation.

Collaboration among technology developers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers is vital. Institutions like the University of Malaya are already facilitating interdisciplinary research platforms to address the needs of older Malaysians. Such partnerships can bridge gaps in existing technologies and ensure their relevance and efficacy.

In conclusion, while gerontechnology holds immense potential to enhance the lives of Malaysia’s older population, addressing cultural, economic, and acceptance-related challenges is critical for successful integration. Investing in research, policy formulation, and awareness is essential to empowering seniors to live independently with dignity. By doing so, Malaysia can emerge as a leader in gerontechnology, contributing valuable insights to the global community while addressing the needs of its ageing population.