PETALING JAYA, Feb 15 — Malaysia’s “sandwich generation” — the group tasked with looking after young children and aged parents — may be in for a hard time due to a poor health regimen, mounting costs and inadequate planning for old age.
The problem will become more evident in about 15 years or so with the younger generation caught in this web of complexities.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said those in the group would have a lot on their plate as they were saddled with health and financial problems.
“These couples have to look after their children and parents. They are sandwiched in between. They need to plan their lives for a better future when they are older” she said.
Chew said many were not aware of the effects of ageing on their bodies and finances which may result in them being ill-prepared for old age.
“They still do not know how to effectively plan for the time when they are old,’ she said, adding that middle-aged couples needed to look after themselves while addressing the needs of their children and parents.
This was more evident among women who tend to stress on educational advancement and careers after that before getting married.
Chew said there was a crying need to alert those in the sandwich group to take care of themselves before it was too late and they found themselves old and infirm.
“The most important thing is to alert those who are still relatively young to be prepared for their old age.”
Statistics show 17.7 per cent of the nation’s adult population are obese while those categorised as overweight comprise 30 per cent.
Prevalence of diabetes had also increased, with 15.5 per cent affected by the disease last year compared with only 11.6 per cent in 1996.
Statistics also showed that 47.7 per cent of adults had high cholesterol levels.
