KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 11): Malaysia is the only Southeast Asian country to change its view on when old age begins, now seeing it as starting at 60, up from 56 in 2018, according to an Ipsos survey across 32 countries. Other regional countries like Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines showed no change, still viewing old age as starting at 62, 59, and 60 respectively.

The Ipsos study involved 23,745 adults under 75 years of age.

This shift comes as Malaysia heads towards becoming an aged nation by 2043. Statistics show the population aged 0–14 is shrinking, while the working-age group will peak in 2030 before declining. 

This shifting perception of "old age" — reflecting Malaysians’ desire to stay younger and active for slightly longer — could support government reforms outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). These reforms include proposals to raise the mandatory retirement age for civil servants from 60 to 65, aiming to build a more resilient and sustainable economy that aligns with the country’s demographic transition. 

According to the survey, six in ten Malaysians feel positive about ageing — more than in wealthier countries. 

“Malaysians, along with their Southeast Asian peers, are looking forward to an old age. In developed countries, a longer life expectancy and a higher threshold for what is considered "old age" do not translate into positive sentiment. Enthusiasm rises with income, education level, and distance from the perception of being old, with young people generally being more enthusiastic. The Malaysian attitude is likely to be influenced by cultural values that respect the elderly, as well as family and community support, which fosters less anxiety about ageing,” according to Ipsos Malaysia managing director Arun Menon.

This optimism is tied to cultural respect for the elderly and strong family and community support. It also tends to increase with higher income, education, and among younger people.

However, this positive outlook contrasts with financial realities. Employees Provident Fund data shows over six million Malaysians under 55 have less than RM10,000 saved for retirement.

The survey found that Malaysians, like many in other developed nations, tend to underestimate their actual life expectancy. People in countries with higher life expectancy are generally less likely to look forward to old age.

Ipsos urges better healthcare and support systems to match the optimism with real security. Malaysians also tend to underestimate their life expectancy, believing they will live to 74 — slightly below the actual 75.2 years.