THE CHALLENGES OF SOCIAL SUPPORT TOWARDS SUCCESSFUL AGEING AMONG ELDERLY IN PUSAT AKTIVITI WARGA EMAS MALAYSIA

Abstract

Social support is crucial towards successful ageing for elderly. However, modernization and urbanization have reduced social support for elderly, thus hampering the effort to achieve successful ageing. This study is, therefore, aimed to explore the challenges of social support in the pursuit of successful ageing among elderly. This study adopts a qualitative case study approach with in-depth interviews. The thematic analysis technique is employed to present the finding of the study. This study includes 24 elderly who participated in Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (PAWE), a senior activity center in Kuala Lumpur as well as supervisors and officers from government agencies involved with the social welfare of the elderly. The findings reveal that there are four challenges to social support for successful ageing: attitudes of friends and neighbours, restrictions imposed by children, social changes, and the burden and commitment of other work. This study recommends developing a caring society for the elderly, and to establish a comprehensive empowerment program for the elderly as well as research and development on the needs and emerging issues of the elderly to overcome the challenges of social support in the pursuit of successful ageing.