Kuala lumpur: National Senior Citizen Day 2025 today serves as a call for urgent action to safeguard the dignity and welfare of Malaysia's elderly, with concerns spanning healthcare, financial security, digital divide and elder abuse. Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said senior citizens are the pillars of society, having shaped families, institutions and values through decades of dedication, sacrifice and wisdom.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lee emphasized that many elderly individuals struggle with issues demanding immediate attention. As the nation observes National Senior Citizen Day, communities across Malaysia and around the world are urged to reflect on the invaluable contributions of older adults and to confront the challenges they continue to face with empathy and resolve.

He pointed out that rising medical costs and limited geriatric services leave many seniors vulnerable, calling for more inclusive and affordable healthcare tailored to the ageing population. Lee mentioned that loneliness and depression are growing concerns among older adults, underscoring the importance of community engagement and mental health support to ensure their emotional well-being.

On financial insecurity, he highlighted that inadequate pensions, inflation, and age discrimination in employment threaten the stability of retirees, stressing the need for stronger protection and inclusive economic policies. Lee also raised concerns over the digital divide, advocating for accessible technology and training programmes to empower seniors to stay connected and informed in an increasingly digital society.

He added that every senior deserves dignity and safety, with awareness campaigns and legal safeguards needed to prevent elder abuse and ensure justice. Lee stated that National Senior Citizen Day is not just a celebration but a reminder that ageing should be embraced, not feared, and that elders deserve more than respect; they deserve action.

He called on policymakers, communities, and individuals to build a society where ageing is met with dignity, security, and joy, urging that elders be honored not only with words but with meaningful changes.