Issues and Challenges in Managing Old-Age Care Centres: The Malaysian Context

Malaysia is experiencing a sustained demographic transition as the proportion of older people continues to rise. Official estimates show that people aged 65 years and above accounted for 8.0% of the national population in 2025, compared with 7.6% in 2024, while the median age increased to 31.3 years (Department of Statistics Malaysia [DOSM], 2025). This demographic shift has important implications for the organisation, financing, and delivery of long-term care. Although old-age care centres operate across Malaysia under public, private, non-governmental, and faith-based arrangements, many continue to face limitations in service quality, staffing, technology, facilities, and financial sustainability. Against this background, this study examines the principal management issues encountered by old-age care centres within Malaysia's multiethnic setting. Using a qualitative approach, data were gathered through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with managers or owners, employees, and residents from selected old-age care centres in Malaysia. To protect institutional confidentiality, the identities and locations of the participating centres are not disclosed. The findings identify six interrelated areas of concern: geriatric needs, daily living, technology adoption, centre management, employees, and equipment and facilities. The study concludes that more coordinated support from government agencies, private organisations, non-governmental organisations, communities, and care providers is required to strengthen the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of elderly care in Malaysia.

elderly care; senior citizens; old-age care centres; Malaysia

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