In most Asian cultures, the young are expected to practise respect and obedience towards their parents. This is the same in Malaysia. However, the rise of westernisation and culture of individualism amongst the younger generation has resulted in family structure changes. 

The Malaysian culture used to be an intergenerational family living arrangement whereby up to four generations could be living in the same house. Nowadays, adult children prefer their own space and tend to move out from their parents’ home once they get married. 

With the pressures of higher living costs, young adults are prioritising their careers and businesses more than ever. As the adult children are working more, they may not always have sufficient time and energy to give their elderly parents the proper care they need. 

These social changes may result in feelings of abandonment and loneliness, which are exacerbated as they lose more of their loved ones, who may be ageing as well. 

In the olden days when kampung community living was common, the elderly were able to walk to their relatives’ and friends’ houses which were just a stone’s throw away. These days with the improvement of road infrastructure and connectivity, people tend to live further away from each other. 

The average time taken to get anywhere is half an hour. For an older person, the distance and traffic can add to their already stress-filled lives. Factors like deteriorating eyesight, ever-changing roads and difficulties using navigation technology may affect their ability to stay mobile.  

This leads to social isolation. Even with the internet, which enables them to stay connected to family and friends, real physical contact — which is vital to maintain health — is still lacking.