Financial Support for Older Person in Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

In most culture throughout the world, care for elderly parents is a responsibility that falls on the shoulders of the family. Following coverage for social and financial security of the majority of world’s older persons is limited, family-based support is extremely crucial. In Malaysia research suggests that support from family members is very important for the well-being of older persons. The present paper present the result of a cross-sectional survey conducted in rural Malaysia to analyze the level and the perceived importance of financial support from their adult children who live out of the village. In particular, the present paper analyzes: (1): some demographic and socioeconomic profiles of older persons; (2): income status of older people; (3): level of financial support for older person; and (4): the importance of family support from children among older people in rural Malaysia. This study was conducted in Pulau Meranti, district of Puchong, one of the rural areas in the state of Selangor. This paper is basically employed a descriptive research design. It is used when a researcher seeks a better understanding and measure how variables are naturally distributed. Data for the study were collected through structured and unstructured interviews with research participants, coupled with observations on their daily lives. Data were analyzed using descriptive and thematic approach. Results of the study revealed that; (1), older persons are young old, 45 female, and 15 male, aged between 69 or below. 56 per cent of them reported as having primary and secondary school certificate, or above, not working and still married; (2), income of older persons are varies, but the majority of them are having a monthly income below than poverty line income. Only 25 of them have a monthly income of more than RM870, above the poverty line income as has been used in Malaysia; (3): although financial support is small, most of older persons perceive the financial support from children is enough, or very enough, and (5): most of older persons perceive the financial support from children are important. Older persons who perceived the financial support is not important reflect the greater financial independence of some of older persons in study area.

Keywords: population ageing; older persons; rural areas; financial support; well-being