1st International Conference on Emerging Trends in Scientific Research 15-16 March, 2014 Pearl International Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

1. Abstract of Emerging Trends in Scientific Research, 2014, Vol.1
DOI: 10.18488/journal.1002/2014.1/1002.1
1st
International Conference on Emerging Trends in
Scientific Research
15-16 March, 2014
Pearl International Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Conference Website: www.pakrdw.com
26
Paper ID: 108/14/1
st
ICETSR
Living Arrangments, Poverty, and Health for the Elderly in
the District of Jerantut, Pahang
Nik Norliati Fitri Md Nor1
--- Suriati Ghazali2
--- Usman Haji Yaakob3
1,2,3
School of Humanisties University Science of Malaysia 11800 Pulau Pinang
Abstract
As a developing country, Malaysia has witnessed an increase in the number of elderly
due to advancement in medical care and increase in life expectancy. Nevertheless, the
increase in the number of elderly people poses various challenges when a country is not
prepared in the aspect of economy, social, healthcare and housing. In 2011, according to
the Department of Statistics Malaysia, there was a hike of 8.4 percent in number of elderly
people compared to the previous years. This paper aims to discuss the issues and
problem regarding the elderly by focusing on their wellbeing from the aspect of living
arrangement. For that purpose, a study has been conducted on wellbeing and living
arrangements, poverty and health of the elderly which involved 327 old folks from two
selected parishes in Jerantut, Pahang (rural and fringe urban). The study has found that
in the aspect of living arrangements, majority of the old folks in the selected parishes live
with their spouses. However, there are some who live on his/her own after the demise of
their spouses. Generally, these old folks also experience financial problem due to lack of
assistance offered by the responsible agencies. The health level of these old folks is
relatively low due to insufficient healthcare facilities and difficulty in obtaining treatment at
the nearest clinic or hospital. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the awareness
on the challenges faced by old folks in the aspect of living arrangements in rural and
suburban areas while at the same time, this study can be used as a guide by the
responsible agencies to improve on the wellbeing and quality of life of the elderly in rural
areas.
Keywords: Elderly, Living arrangements, Poverty, Healhts.