SHAH ALAM, July 24 — The First Selangor Plan (RS-1) places strong emphasis on the concept of active ageing, focusing on improving the quality of life of senior citizens rather than simply providing financial assistance.
The initiative includes plans to expand Senior Citizens Activity Centres (PAWE), create suitable employment opportunities for senior citizens through a silver workforce initiative, and introduce care navigators.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and social welfare Anfaal Saari said these measures are expected to help senior citizens enjoy healthier and more dignified lives.
"We want to elevate the care sector into a complete ecosystem, not merely a welfare initiative, but one that seeks to improve their overall quality of life," she told Media Selangor.
Anfaal added that RS-1 also aims to introduce the concept of a silver workforce for senior citizens who remain healthy and capable of working.
"One of the initiatives we are looking at is the silver workforce, where healthy senior citizens can continue working in suitable fields, such as skilled occupations or part-time roles," she said.
However, the state government is still assessing the types of jobs that would be most appropriate to ensure senior citizens can earn an income without excessive physical strain.
"We will think of suitable jobs. They may not necessarily return to their previous professions, in new skills that enable them to work comfortably," Anfaal said.
The state government also plans to establish more PAWEs under every local authority to ensure closer accessibility for local communities.
"At present, existing PAWE centres are managed by the Social Welfare Department and non-governmental organisations, but this year we are proposing to develop guidelines for PAWE centres operated by local authorities.
"There is currently one at the Selayang Municipal Council, but we see the need to expand the initiative so that every local authority has its own centre. It may not necessarily be called PAWE; we will review that later," she said.
Anfaal noted that these centres will not focus solely on healthcare but will also encourage social interaction to prevent senior citizens from becoming isolated or lonely.
"We want senior citizens to come not only for healthcare services but also to interact with their peers, so they remain active and do not become isolated at home," she said.
Similarly, Selangor also plans to introduce care navigators to identify and assist senior citizens living alone or those requiring social support.
"We want care navigators to go into the community to monitor and screen senior citizens who live alone, so that assistance can reach them more quickly," Anfaal said.
The councillor observed that RS-1 places considerable emphasis on preparing for an ageing population in order to reduce social isolation among senior citizens, which can adversely affect both their mental and physical well-being.
