Case: Aging Population in Malaysia < Aging Population in Malaysia < Population aging is a global phenomenon experienced by developed and developing countries. According to the United Nations, the world population is expected to reach 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100. With developing countries constituting 72% of the world's elderly population, there is a concern not only about the size of this demography but also the provisions for elderly healthcare, infrastructure, income, and economic growth. < In 2019, Malaysia's population is estimated at 32.6 million and is expected to reach 33.8 million in 2020. The elderly (65 years and above) account for 6.7% of Malaysia's total population in 2019. By 2030, it will be at par with aging group countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Italy, Finland, and Germany. While Malaysia has received accolades in the past for the enviable healthcare system it has developed, population aging will pose a major challenge for it without careful planning. Malaysia's elderly healthcare centres can be divided into four categories - governmental, private, NGOs, or Islamic centres. Some of the issues these centres, will have to overcome include: < Malnutrition: a result of changes in dietary habits and poor dentition, malnutrition is aggravated by the increased dependence on medicine and polypharmacy. Malnutrition is one of the primary reasons for the adverse effects of medicine on the aging population. < Other health problems: the current elderly healthcare system in Malaysia is primarily geared towards short-term care and hospitalization of the elderly, whereas elderly citizens with chronic diseases require long-term care. Due to fewer geriatricians in the country, Malaysia has relatively fewer programmes for elderly healthcare. < Changing family structures: in Malaysia, due to economic reasons, many households have moved from a joint-family structure to a nuclear setup. Providing care for the elderly is now a joint responsibility between the individual family and the government. < Lacking infrastructure: the current elderly healthcare centres, in Malaysia lack modern facilities, technological support, and trained staff. With the increase in Malaysia's aging population, it is essential that elderly healthcare service centres, have adequate provisions and human resources. < These issues have major consequences for the different types of healthcare centres, in Malaysia. To address the socio-economic and health requirements of the elderly, one of the solutions is to improve the planning and design of its elderly healthcare infrastructure and services. < Question 3 (40 marks) < i. ii. iii. 1. Briefly describe the steps of a sample plan. Suggest a suitable sampling method for studying aging population in Malaysia. (20 marks) < 2. Create at least three question items to measure each of the constructs below. Before you construct the measure, find a concise definition for each of the constructs. Relate the definition and then provide the question. < Dietary habits of the elderly < Availability of short-term care for the elderly < Service quality of elderly healthcare centres.