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***Brunei commits to ensure every elderly individual is cherished and valued*** Brunei Darussalam, like many other nations, is grappling with the challenges posed by an ageing population. More than 10 per cent of Brunei’s total population is now aged 60 and above and this percentage is expected to rise significantly, reaching 28.7 per cent by the year 2050. In light of this concerning issue, Brunei Darussalam is poised to meet this challenge head-on, embracing a multifaceted strategy that is dedicated on ensuring the well-being and dignity of the elderly, particularly those affected by conditions like dementia. In her keynote speech at the recent International Asia Pacific Regional Conference (APRC), Permanent Secretary (Community) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari outlined a number of efforts put forward by the Sultanate in addressing the complexities of ageing while illuminating the various opportunities available for the development of a care economy. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/geHztZ2KaApOzK75vXzaj-oz0T2RiGoVnjBwsIgC4LK.jpeg) Permanent Secretary (Community) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI Titled “Brunei Darussalam’s National Initiatives on Ageing and the Significance of the Care Economy”, the senior official highlighted how dementia affects millions worldwide, “but it not only affects the individual, it also affects families and caregivers”. She continued, “The impact on the global economy is significant, with billions of dollars spent on healthcare, research and support services. The ageing population is growing rapidly, and this demographic shift has significant implications for us all.” She underscored Brunei’s strong family values, acknowledging that families play a pivotal role in elderly care as the family institution is viewed “as the primary care support system for individuals especially those who are vulnerable”. “Under Brunei Darussalam’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2021, we championed the adoption of the ASEAN Comprehensive Framework on Care Economy,” she said, noting that the initiative came when the world was still reeling from COVID-19. “We felt it was important for ASEAN as a community to focus on the care economy, when collective action was even more urgent than before,” she said, while citing the International Labour Organisation’s prediction of the rising number of care recipients, which is expected to reach 2.3 billion by 2030. According to Hajah Nor Ashikin, the framework serves as a platform to look into modalities or investments that can better address care economy issues, to sharpen the focus and reflect on current regional and global policies as well as to identify the gaps across the different facets of the care economy. Two key strategic priorities within the framework are ‘Building Stronger and Resilient Families as the Foundation of the Care Economy’ and ‘Enhancing Social Protection, Leaving No One Behind’. These priorities focus on various aspects of care work, both formal and informal, and highlight the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work on families, aligning with Brunei Darussalam’s emphasis on strong family institutions. “Ageing and care economy are critical issues that require our attention. We need to work together to find solutions that promote the safety, autonomy, well-being and dignity of older adults with dementia. “Investing in research to find a cure, as well as to step up more preventative actions also remains critical. I will not only improve the quality of life or people living with the disease, but also reduce the economic burden on families and society in the long run.” Hajah Nor Ashikin also touched on a number of national strategies that address ageing-related issues, highlighting that ageing and the well-being of the elderly are among the 12 significant issues monitored by the National Council on Social Issues. The council operates at a ministerial level and serves as a comprehensive platform chaired by MCYS, comprising representatives from various government agencies, non-government organisation, and the private sector. In 2017, the council adopted a five-year plan of action on the elderly, focusing on their development, social welfare, and protection, along with establishing an elderly-friendly support system. By 2021, eight per cent of the plan had been implemented. These initiatives include social protection measures, programmes promoting active lifestyles, and lifelong learning opportunities. Additionally, senior citizens activity centres have been established in all districts to encourage active engagement among the elderly and promote healthy lifestyles, which can contribute to preventing non-communicable diseases such as dementia. For those particularly vulnerable or bedridden, MCYS, in collaboration with several NGOs, introduced the Home Care Project for the Elderly, or Projek Memeduli Warga Emas, offering direct support to caregivers responsible for the well-being of the elderly. The plan of action also called for a review of the Old Age Pension and Disability Allowances Act, introducing double benefits for senior citizens with disabilities, a new monthly care provider allowance, and a strengthened legal framework for persons with disabilities. These measures, along with the Persons with Disability Act, were enacted on October 1, 2021, reinforcing inclusivity and protection for vulnerable members of society. In pursuit of safeguarding the health and welfare of the elderly, a new National Plan for Older Persons has been developed collaboratively by the Ministry of Health and the MCYS, focusing on a strategic approach for successful ageing, emphasising physical, psychological, and social well-being and placing equal importance on healthy ageing. – Rokiah Mahmud ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/R1ZZ9EW9J0aPmvJDdMXUn-J63Ujp4BLc6HRFcbPN9-u.jpeg) A senior citizen takes a break near a fountain outside a shopping complex in the capital. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA

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