KUALA LUMPUR: In less than 20 years, there will be three senior citizens for every 20 Malaysians.

Hence, the public should be prepared to increase their awareness and knowledge of a senior's lifestyle and the positive and healthy aspects of an ageing society, an expert on the subject said.

Concept, Innovation and Strategy (C.I.S.) Network Sdn Bhd president Datuk Vincent Lim said that baby boomers, which refer to those born between 1946 and 1964, had become senior citizens.

"The number of people over 65 years in Malaysia is projected to triple from two million today to over six million by 2040. 

"Members of the community aged 80 and above are projected to increase from 0.3 million to nearly 1.4 million by 2040," said Lim, who is the organiser for the 'Home Design and Interior Exhibition (Homedec)' and 'Asean Senior Care and Wellness Expo (AGExpo) 2022' at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

The events were officiated by Malaysian Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) chief operating officer Noor Ahmad Hamid.

Present was National Council of Senior Citizens Organisations Malaysia (Nascom) deputy president and AGExpo co-organiser Datuk Dr Soon Ting Kueh.

Lim said the semi-trade exhibitions were aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge on elder-care living and their wellbeing, to promote a higher quality of life at every age.

"It showcases best practices in professional services in caring for the elderly, gleaned from recognised industry experts in Malaysia and abroad.

"It is now a great time to introduce this expo as we continue to see the trend for multi-generational homes that cater to the needs of the sandwich generation.

"These are people who are raising children while at the same time, caring for their elderly members at home."

The exhibitions, he added, aimed to showcase and share examples, ideas and inspirations of how to live healthily, even as we age.

"The exhibitions are an ideal platform for us to showcase the successful management and integration of life for the elderly."

The events exhibit carefully curated health and wellness equipment as examples of practical applications and management, to expose homeowners to various ways of caring for elderly members of their families.

"Together with Nascom, we see the need for such exhibitions that shine a light on the positive aspects of ageing.

"Today, there are so many ways for ageing members of our society to care for their health so that they live strong, useful lives and also for their carers to have the knowledge, skills, and tools to manage ageing issues.

"The exposition helps to inspire critical discussions on the needs of the elderly", Lim said.

Dr Soon reflected on ageing gracefully in a positive manner.

"Today, people live longer, healthier, and more vibrant and meaningful lives than ever before, with the increasing quality of living.

"In the past, ageing equates with negative connotations.

"But now, we have a massive market segment of silver-haired tourists and consumers who are determined to live well and with purpose," said Dr Soon.

He added that there were so many ways for ageing members of society to care for their health to live healthy, useful lives and for their carers to have the knowledge, skills, and tools to manage ageing issues.

"The exposition aims to help inspire critical discussions on the needs of these elderly," Soon said.

Noor Ahmad said he believed that AGExpo would position Malaysia as the potential 'Business Event Gateway' for the silver-hair economy in Asean.

"The events will inspire visitors with its combination of simplicity, style, and practicality that leverages technology and modern devices to meet the needs of the family.

"Carefully curated fittings, fixtures, and furniture will cater to the young and the elderly to simplify daily chores and to ease management for caregivers.

"Aged care experts are on hand to help explain the benefits of implementing various solutions in meeting the different challenges and needs," he

said.

A key highlight in both Homedec and AGExpo is the signature "Show Home" featuring a life-sized senior lifestyle and living show home design.

Noor Ahmad added that during the four-day exhibition, visitors could also expect to find Homedec's design tips from its experts conducting clinics.

"There are also great deals and special offers for their home and interior decoration needs from a vast selection of choices in electrical appliances, furniture, and other solutions from exhibitors and renowned quality brands.

"It is all under one roof, be it from the kitchen to the living room, bedroom or home office or seniors' lifestyle," Noor Ahmad said.

He added that Homedec brought new themes and concepts to current homeowners and to those who had just received keys to their respective homes.

"It is here that they can make the best decisions for ideas or inspirations, knowledge and best deals.

"This edition also brings about the concept of multi-generational living needs through Homedec and AGExpo," he said.

A recent survey by the Valuation and Property Services Department found that the local property market recorded about RM87 billion, and was poised to create an estimated RM43.5 billion worth of renovation value.