Current Housing Issues

CHAPTER 2: CURRENT HOUSING PROBLEMS AND ISSUES

2.1  Physical Needs

Sensory and Motor Functioning (Vision, Hearing, Taste and Smell, Motor Performance)

Sensory and motor losses are among of the top-ranking anxieties about old age.

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Visual acuity: ability to see clearly at distances measures by the eye chart

Presbyopia: age-related impairment in the ability to see close objects distinctly.

Older people have special trouble seeing in dim light

Problems distinguishing specific colours in particular blues from greens

Being blinded by a direct beam of light

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Poor hearing prevents the usage of languages, the bridge that connecting humans.

Prolonged exposure to the chronic noise of simply living in the city may contribute to age-related hearing difficulties.

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Loses in taste and smell sense may make eating less pleasant and so contribute to poor nutrition in elderly

Dental problems make chewing painful, affecting the enjoyment of food.

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Older people move more slowly and unsteadily, they take much longer to respond.

Basic activities such as crossing a street before the light changes, driving, stepping out of the way of environmental obstacles, required fast and quick responds.

Reaction time

Holding a cup of tea more unsteadily, more trouble turning on the stove, take a longer time to rise from chair or get to the door.

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2.2  Economic Needs

The average house price in Kuala Lumpur was RM772, 116 in 2016.

Sources of income: age pension, savings and financial support from family members.

Elderly spends more of their income into housing: renovation, electrical and water bills

Less subsidized housing for elderly.

Unable to afford the high rise market rents, high cost of living

Risky to leave the elderly parents alone at home

Average percentage of monthly expenditure for family.

2.3  Social and Psychological Support

Types of elderly people:

1 Kind and benevolent: nice to meet and friendly

2 Irritable and violent: emotional problem

3 Conservative-typed: unable to accept new ideas especially from the young.

4 Depressed-typed: staying alone and seldom talking to others

5 Suspicious: thinking too much

6 Stubborn: egocentric, self-centeredness, reject others’ opinion towards self

7 Complaint: discontent, unsatisfied with the present situation

Elderly people had deal with the stressful environment especially in the working environment for more than ten years, hence it is common to undergo some emotional problem such as depression.

There is a lot of time for the elderly during their retirement years. It is unhealthy for the elderly to stay indoor for a long period.

“Older people are supposed to be physically feeble and cognitively impaired, emotionally disturbed, financially deprived and isolated from the world.”

People over 65 are vital and active. Even over age 80 most people live independently. Vast majority of elderly function well intellectually.

Enjoying a variety of activities. Older adult education program: Elderhostel

Taking courses in art and culture. Teaching or learning

Voluntary works in charity event.

Sports/ Exercising