Exploring Time Banking and Community Integration: A Pilot Study with Malaysia's Ageing Population.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70672/g4zjxg25Keywords:
Ageing population, elderly care, healthcare needs, social needs, time bankingAbstract
Background: Malaysia's ageing population is expected to grow significantly, making the country an "ageing nation" by 2030. Time banking is a system in which participants earn time credits for providing services within the community, fostering mutual support, and enhancing social interactions. Methods: A mixed-methods research approach was used to investigate the interest and feasibility of time banking among elderly individuals in Bagan Serai, Perak. Surveys and focus group discussions were conducted with 34 elderly individuals aged 60 and above, covering demographics, healthcare needs, social needs, perceptions of time banking, and participation preferences. Results: No participants had prior knowledge of time banking; however, after receiving an explanation, 82.4% expressed willingness to participate. Key barriers included limited digital literacy (58.8% lacked the necessary skills), privacy concerns (41.2% feared misuse of personal information), and financial or transportation constraints limiting healthcare access. Notably, 44.1% of participants who encountered healthcare barriers took no action to address them. While most participants engaged in structured communal activities (gotong-royong, 47.1%), 35.3% disagreed that they enjoyed recreational socializing, indicating heterogeneity in social preferences. Participants expressed interest in time-banking services related to safety, health, daily living needs, and transportation. Recommended strategies include comprehensive education, user-friendly platforms, and personalized instruction. Conclusion: This pilot study provides preliminary insights into time banking’s potential for elderly healthcare and social needs. Successful implementation requires culturally tailored education, trust-building measures to address privacy concerns, and hybrid models combining digital tools with human facilitation. Future research using larger, more representative samples and controlled designs is needed. Collaboration between community organizations and healthcare providers can help create a more inclusive environment for the elderly in Perak.
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