CABARAN YANG DIHADAPI OLEH PERTUBUHAN MASYARAKAT MADANI DALAM MENGADVOKASI KESEJAHTERAAN WARGA EMAS DI MALAYSIA

Abstract

Malaysia is experiencing rapid demographic changes due to increasing ageing populations. Consequently, older people's well-being has become the main agenda not only among the government but also civil society organisations. A  study was conducted in 2019 to examine challenges faced by civil society organisations in Malaysia in their efforts to enhance the well-being of older adults through advocacy. The term advocacy in this study encompasses activities, programmes, policies, and initiatives carried out or planned by civil society organisations to enhance the well-being of older adults in Malaysia. This study employs a qualitative approach using a case study design and gathers information through a semi-structured interview involving representatives from civil society organisations and government agencies. The selection of the study sample was done purposively. The study identified several critical challenges faced in advocating to enhance the well-being of older adults, namely, limited awareness regarding issues faced by older adults, financial constraints, inter-ministerial incoordination, and weak coalition building. These findings illustrate the need for collaboration among multi-stakeholders in advocating for the well-being of older adults in Malaysia.