Ethnic Disparities and Demographic Shifts in Sarawak's Aging Population: A Comprehensive Longitudinal Analysis (1980-2020)

Abstract

The aging population constitutes a pivotal demographic shift with substantial implications across social, economic, and healthcare spheres, notably in ethnically diverse territories such as Sarawak, Malaysia. This investigation delivers an exhaustive longitudinal examination of the distribution and demographic trends of the elderly among various ethnic communities in Sarawak from 1980 to 2020. Despite abundant scholarship on population aging, the confluence of ethnicity and aging has received scant attention, particularly within the Malaysian milieu. This research endeavors to bridge this gap by exploring the following question: How have the proportions of senior citizens within Sarawak's diverse ethnic groups evolved from 1980 to 2020? Employing secondary data sourced from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, this study utilises descriptive analysis, linear regression models, and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to delineate and expound these trends. The analysis uncovers pronounced disparities in aging trajectories among the ethnic groups. Notably, the Chinese community exhibits the most pronounced and consistent increase in the elderly population, while the Iban and other indigenous cohorts show a decline, possibly attributable to migration and diminished fertility rates. Conversely, the burgeoning proportion of elderly Malays indicates enhancements in health and socio-economic statuses, contrasting with the steady figures observed within the Chinese and Indian communities, which likely reflect enduring cultural traditions such as filial piety. These findings underscore the imperative for culturally attuned policies and interventions tailored to the distinct needs of each ethnic group as Sarawak's demographic landscape ages. This study underscores the importance of recognizing ethnic-specific aging patterns for efficacious public health and social service strategy formulation in a culturally heterogeneous region like Sarawak. By integrating insights into the spatial dynamics of aging, anchored by Tobler's First Law of Geography, this research contributes novel perspectives to the body of knowledge and supports the creation of more effective and inclusive policies.