Headnotes:
Sandwich generation refers to adults, typically in their 40s to 60s, who are simultaneously responsible for supporting their aging parents and their own children. Often facing immense financial and emotional stress, they manage medical care, household needs, and financial support for two other generations.
AFTER my last posting, I spoke to some warga emas and some of them kindly sent me their feedback.
I realise now that the needs and demands of the elderly are actually basic and easy to implement.
In fact, far less complicated when compared to the demands of us Gen-Z. This makes me feel ashamed as a young journalist.
An old saying comes to mind: A mother can take care of 10 children, but those 10 children want to take care of an elderly mother.
The following are some of the comments I’ve gotten and the response solicited through one-on-one interviews with some old folks. (Rookies from NST should be doing this but I guess their bosses don’t consider this important enough).
Senior citizens I contacted stated that top on their wishlists is free health services. No government, dulu maupun sekarang, has done this and even government hospitals charge fees for elderly patients.
The most severely impacted by rising health costs of caring for the old would be the “sandwich generation” who have to support their children as well as their parents.
Almost 50% of the population are Gen X and Baby Boomers aged (Gen X: 45 – 60 and Baby Boomers: 60+.)
The majority of Gen X tend to think about retirement and their children’s education responsibilities up to university level in addition to their retirement benefits and how to live life after retirement. Their needs and wants are more towards healthcare.
While 60+ want more time to shape themselves to stay healthy and start preparing for life after death and get closer to God – that is, spending quality time with children and grandchildren and the mosque. In addition, Muslim seniors hope that the government can reduce the cost of funeral management which can cost RM3,000 for each passing.
The most important thing that the government should consider for the care of the elderly… tax exemption for family members who care for elderly parents or siblings.
Professional care is one aspect, which is the cost to the family. If a family member is a caregiver, it also means additional costs to the family, the individual who acts as a caregiver. The special needs of the elderly are certainly not considered in the national or state budget
The government under Anwar Ibrahim’s patronage only needs to do basic planning and it doesn’t need anything complicated and convoluted like Rafizi-type formulas.
P.S Good thing Rafizi has kicked himself out of Anwar’s Madani government to focus on his 25 April protest which some said is actually to defend the corrupt, including the Corporate Mafia! – April 18, 2026
***Jepry is a nickname for Haziq Hamid, former Malaysian crime journalist (999) 2019-2021 and content producer (Astro Radio) 2023.