The challenges of the ageing population on the Malaysian construction industry

Malaysia will be an ageing nation by 2035, when 15 per cent (5.6 million) of the population are classified as senior citizens. The ageing population does not only give an impact to the building design and structure, but also on the construction workforce and industry. The government has taken steps in its preparation to face the challenges of an ageing nation including ensuring adequate health care services, financials as well as infrastructure that are senior-citizen friendly. The objectives of this study are to identify the industry's awareness of the challenges as a result of the ageing population. The methodology adapted comprise of primary and secondary data collection. The primary data had been collected from the questionnaire surveys on the professional within the construction industry. The data then were analyzed using the percentage score and the diagram such as bar chart had been used to visualize the results from the analysis. While, secondary data were collected through literature review to gather information and important views from previous studies. In achieving the objective of the study, 100 questionnaire surveys have been distributed to the respondents, but only 39 questionnaires have been returned back. The discussions are done by comparing the result that is in the form of a percentage. Based on the study that has been done, the respondents are aware that the changing is needed in organization current construction projects, the additional cost is required to make an appropriate building for the elderly and there is a need of workspace to address the changing population in the industry. The challenges will be faced by the government to deal with an ageing population. The impact of ageing is the worker that close to retirement age will extend their career based on certain factors and also, loss of skill, experience and knowledge. The respondents agree that it is important to adopt the built environment to cater the needs of older people. The accessibility to the building has the highest priority to be adopted on the built environment.