Database of good practices on ageing

Data users and policy makers

The core components of MARS: health, healthcare utilization, health insurance and long-term care; work, employment and retirement; income and consumption; psycho-social; family support and living arrangement.

MARS is a sister survey that follows the example of the Health and Retirement Survey based in Michigan. Through the collaboration with the Institute of Social Research (ISR), University of Michigan, ISR provides technical support in terms of questionnaire instrument development, particularly the software required to run the survey through Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI), as well as the training of trainers and field interviewers.

MARS collects longitudinal data on life histories and experineces of middle-aged and older persons over time and ensures comparability with similar global studies on retirement and ageing research. MARS offers evidence-based recommendations and opportunities and policies to address the trends that emerge in the midst of population ageing in Malaysia.

Data users and policy makers

From 14,156 households, 4,059 older persons aged 60 years and above were interviewed. Key findings included information on population structure, family life, support for older persons, living arrangements, socail interaction, internet use and loneliness.

The implementation of the MPFS-5 was under the supervision of a Project Steering Committee chaired by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development. The Population Division of NPFDB acted as the secretariat for this survey. It was responsible for the implementation of the survey, from fieldwork up to the preparation of the survey report.

The Malaysian Population and Family Survey (MPFS-5) is a nationally representative large-scale research conducted by the NPFDB.  The survey is an essential source of reference for policy makers, planners, programme implementers and the general public about current issues on family demography in society. 

(PDF) Kajian Penduduk dan Keluarga Malaysia Kelima (KPKM-5)

Older persons who need care

The manual was formulated through a technical, programme‑led process led by the Ministry of Health. 

This manual explains how Bhutan’s health system screens older people in their communities, what conditions to look for, how to respond early, and how to connect health and social care—so that older citizens can age with health, dignity, and support in their own communities.

Singapore Citizens aged 55 and above who have RA balances below the Basic Retirement Sum and meet income and housing eligibility criteria—specifically, those earning no more than S$4,000 monthly, living in residences with annual values not exceeding S$21,000, and owning no more than one property.

The government provides a dollar-for-dollar matching grant on cash top-ups, initially up to S$600 per year, capped at a S$20,000 lifetime limit—a move that boosts retirement savings and monthly payouts. From 2025, the annual cap is being raised to S$2,000, and the age cap is removed.

Implemented via CPF Board systems, MRSS eligibility is automatically assessed each year, and the matching grant is credited to the retiree’s RA early the following year. Top-ups can be made by oneself, family members, or employers—facilitating accessible and inclusive savings.

MRSS is a targeted, inclusive retirement savings boost—delivering matched contributions directly into seniors’ accounts. It combines simplicity, automation, and enhanced financial security, ensuring older citizens can grow their retirement funds cost-effectively.

• https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/infohub/educational-resources/matched-retirement-savings-scheme-what-you-need-to-know

Older persons with dementia

As of 2022, Jinmei Care had established 21 Memory Homes throughout Shanghai, providing activities for over 100,000 older adults.

As of 2024, nearly one in three people living in Shanghai are over 65 years old. However, there have not been many facilities where older adults could access support. The NGO Jinmei Care for the Elderly developed this initiative in collaboration with local government entities. Funding comes from the local government, social foundations, donations from the private sector, and revenue generated by the Memory Café.

The programme fosters an inclusive community for older people with dementia. By promoting the integration of various programs into the daily lives of the elderly, it demonstrates a comprehensive approach toward an inclusive society.

Older persons in Mongolia

By continuously advocating for better access to health and social services, the association helped shape national priorities around elder welfare, including expanding healthcare programs and strengthening social security benefits.

The Mongolian Association of Seniors was set up in 1988 as part of a government‑supported initiative to expand efforts to protect the interests of Mongolia’s older population—those aged 60 and above who were receiving old‑age pensions. The purpose was to ensure their rights, improve their living conditions, support their health and nursing needs, and involve them more fully in social, political, economic, and cultural life.

Discussion on Comprehensive Assistance and Services for the Elderly

Older women and men in Türkiye requiring long-term care

Türkiye’s long‑term care (LTC) policy was developed through a gradual, legally grounded process that began with the adoption of Law No. 2828 – Social Services Law in 1983, which established the purpose, scope, institutional structure, and definitions necessary to organize care for older adults, persons with disabilities, and others in need. This law created the foundation for a nationwide system by defining key LTC populations (such as older persons in need and severely disabled persons), regulating social service institutions (including care homes and rehabilitation centers), and assigning responsibility to public and private providers. Over time, Türkiye expanded LTC through regulations and programs authorized under Law 2828—such as home‑based care, community day‑care and active living centers, and mixed public‑private residential care—integrating these services into the broader social protection system.

The policy reflects a comprehensive, rights‑based, multi‑level system that supports older persons through home‑based, community‑based, and institutional care, with the primary aim of supporting "ageing in place". It further offers a comprehensive range of services across the full long-term care continuum. 

Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi - Law 2828 (original text)

Older residents and persons with disabilities

It has been reported that older persons who were previously unemotional began smiling after spending time with children at these facilities. The positive emotional impact of intergenerational interactions is also scientifically proven.

The facilities are designed to be integrated into the community and part of everyday life, rather than isolated elderly care facilities. Having facilities for nursery school, childcare, and elderly care all together allows the elderly to actively participate in childcare responsibilities. Furthermore, social activities such as Active Kitchens and social gatherings are also held.

The organization promotes intergenerational connections that benefit people of all ages while addressing the medical needs and social challenges of individuals with health issues.

http://ahwin.org/rehab-home-ippo
 

Data users and policy makers

Data users are provided with an interactive data visualisation tool that provides information related to population statistics, ageing and life expectancy.

The MyAgeing Dashboard integrates various primary data sources published by the department, including current population estimates, census data, vital statistics and life expectancy reports. It also includes administrative data from various ministries, departments and government agencies, including healthcare and social services data for older persons.

The dashboard integrates various primary data sources and features articles and the latest news on ageing issues, from both domestic and international sources.

Taking public transport is now more affordable for older persons as they are able to benefit from transportation discounts with MyRapid.

It makes transportation more affordable and thus facilitates the participation of older persons in economy and society. 

Discount and Facilities for Senior Citizens