By Zareef Muzammil
GOMBAK, Dec 13 — The Selangor government has begun to formulate a specific development policy for seniors aged 60 and above in recent years.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the effort was in line with the increase in life expectancy of the people, which concerns those aged between 65 to 78 years, especially women.
“There is a need to formulate a policy for this group. Maybe to develop a centre for the elderly, like how a kindergarten accommodates children.
“In some European countries, centres for elderlies are paired with kindergartens, where the elderlies can take care of their grandchildren. So, this is one of the (efforts) that is being arranged,” he said during a meet with the residents of Pendidik Keramat Permai Village AU1C in Hulu Klang, here yesterday.
The Gombak MP had also voiced concerns about Selangor’s low birth rate.
“Our birth rate per family is 1.9 per cent, less than two per cent. In the coming years, the number of active working people will decrease.
“But the elderlies have longer life expectancies. This is one of the challenges we have to deal with,” he added.