SENIOR CITIZEN NUMBERS TO INCREASE TO 15 PER CENT COME 2035

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Bernama) -- The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry said the number of people 60 years and above in the country is now almost two million that is 7.1 per cent of the total population of 26.7 million.

That number is expected to increase to 10 per cent in 2025 and reach 15 per
cent by 2035.

National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) director-general
Aminah Abdul Rahman said the ministry through LPPKN was collecting
information from the seniors about their skills and interests that could be used
to contribute to society and certain industries.

Preparations to meet the situation, where there is a sizeable aged society,
were to ensure the senior citizens were comfortable, confident and appreciated,
she said at a news conference to introduce the programme "Golden Third Age
(G3A): Elegant and Healthy" at the ministry here Monday.

"We hope to have senior citizens who wish to contribute to the country or
are ready to be trained by the ministry's departments for programmes arranged by
the Social Welfare Department," she said.

Aminah said LPPKN would launch the G3A programme on April 11 and targetted
participation by those 40 years and above.

She said they would be provided information to prepare for approaching
60-years of age.

"We will also cooperate with the Human Resources Ministry to have job
opportunities for them," she said.

-- BERNAMA