CONCEPTUALIZING PLACE-BASED AGING: AN ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELS FOR MALAYSIAN SENIORS

This research examines aging in place among older persons in Malaysia, emphasizing the interconnected roles of assistive technology, quality of life, and age-friendly surroundings in facilitating this process. With Malaysia's senior demographic anticipated to rise from 10.3% in 2020 to 15.3% by 2030, the necessity for appropriate methods to facilitate aging in place has become increasingly pressing. This study analyzes survey data from 499 participants aged 60 to 75, investigating the impact of assistive technology on physical health, psychological well-being, and social involvement, revealing substantial improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, age-friendly surroundings enhance autonomy by alleviating environmental obstacles. Nonetheless, adoption obstacles, such as budgetary limitations and insufficient technological expertise, hinder the efficacy of assistive devices for certain seniors. This article emphasizes the importance of a balanced strategy that combines technological and human support, providing guidance for policymakers to create interventions that preserve the autonomy and dignity of older individuals in Malaysia.