Prioritising safe living spaces for secure retirement

KUCHING: The concept of retirement often feels distant amid the hustle of setting younger life goals.

However, Universiti Malaya deputy dean of research Professor Dr. Nor Adinar Baharuddin  stressed the importance of strategic financial planning, which she now finds invaluable as her own retirement approaches.

Nor Adinar, who specialises in periodontics, highlights a critical consideration for retirees — maximising the utility of retirement funds. She stresses the need for meticulous planning, advocating for a debt-free status and thoughtful downsizing as effective measures for a smoother transition into retirement.

One key aspect she underscores is the preparation of living spaces. As she nears retirement, she notes the significance of a comfortable, senior-friendly environment, especially considering the rising global and Malaysian aging population trends.

“Among the paramount aspects of retirement planning is our living space strategy. Investing in preparing our home for retirement deserves prioritisation as this will become the focal point of our daily lives post-retirement.

“Ensuring our living space is both comfortable and senior-friendly is also of the utmost importance,” she said in a statement today.

Nor Adinar pointed out that global media age is on the rise as affirmed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and it is a trend mirrored in Malaysia.

She said the country’s older demographics is expandingly rapidly as the Department of Statistics recorded 1,195,480 individuals aged 65 and above thus constituting 4.4 percent of the population back in 2007.

“According to the National Population and Family Development Board, Malaysia is projected to achieve an aged population status by 2035 when 15 per cent of its populace will be 60 or older — myself included as I embark on retirement,” she said.

She pointed out that a concerning trend among older Malaysians is home accidents because of falls.

Statistics indicate a prevalence of falls with 31 per cent of participants reporting incidents and 4.4 per cent experiencing multiple falls in the preceding year whereas slips account for 49 per cent of these falls.

“Several threats lurk within homes that significantly heighten the risk of tripping and stumbling among retirees. Factors like slippery floor surfaces, irregular tiles, and inadequate lighting can amplify these dangers.

“Bathrooms, often characterised by smooth surfaces and persistent dampness, stand out as hotspots for slips and falls. The absence of handrails or grab bars in critical areas like staircases and bathrooms further compounds the risk of home accidents among seniors.

“Household mishaps involving elements like faulty electrical wiring, collisions with furniture, or cluttered pathways are frequently observed. These seemingly minor issues pose a significant threat to retirees due to reduced balance and slower reaction times, making them more susceptible to injuries,” she explained.

Nor Adinar said addressing these hazards within the home environment is crucial and suggested the need to consider adopting a minimalist lifestyle.

She said this can be done through reorganising living spaces by disposing of unnecessary furniture, outgrown clothing or excessive keepsakes from gatherings or travels to create unobstructed pathways and reduce the risk of tripping.

“Implement simple renovations, such as installing non-slip tiles and handrails in critical areas like bathrooms and staircases. For those experiencing reduced strength, poor balance, dizziness, or impaired vision, installing grab handrails can provide crucial support and stability, particularly when navigating the shower or bathtub.

“At the same time, proper lighting plays an important role in reducing these risks, enhancing safety, and fostering a more senior-friendly environment. Well-placed lights not only draw attention to potential hazards but also minimise blind spots and vulnerable areas within the living space,” she said.

Nor Adinar reiterated that consistent monitoring and periodic adjustments to the home layout significantly contribute to accident prevention and the overall well-being of retirees.

She said longer lifespans are anticipated with the advancements in technology and healthcare.

“Planning for a retiree-friendly and safe living space becomes pivotal in averting home-related injuries and effectively managing retirement funds. This proactive approach to living space planning is indispensable for a fulfilling, secure, and autonomous retirement,” she added.