Chapter 3- Report of the Research and Policy Development Group (ii) • Older persons are denied access to financial services, in particular loans. They are deemed as being not creditworthy because of their age. • Many older persons have insufficient funds and need assistance to get through their retirement years. Those who were self-employed are most vulnerable to poverty in old age. • Diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are the most common ailments suffered by older persons. Therefore, they require affordable and accessible healthcare services, including health screening. • The distance to hospitals and clinics may cause transportation problems. As such, healthcare services should be made available within or near areas where older persons reside. • It was noted that the Ministry of Health lacks human resources and funds, and that this has affected the delivery of services for older persons. The Commission is of the view that the Government should explore engagement with private medical operators under CSR initiatives. • Training should be expanded for all medical officers, doctors, nurses and paramedics in dealing with older persons, to optimise delivery of healthcare services to this target group. • Older persons are often stereotyped as being grumpy and prone to health problems, which are barriers for those wishing to re-enter employment. • Implementation of the National Policy for Older Persons and Plan of Action for Older Persons and other related laws, policies and international obligations, including the CPRD which also applies to older persons, should be tightened to accord full protection of rights. Visits to care centres The Commission visited three types of care centres – respectively operated by the Government, a private entity, and the Council of Peninsular Malaysia Welfare Centre, an NGO, which receives partial government funding. This was to obtain an overview of services and the types of support available to caregivers; and to assess the suitability of such centres. Several issues were identified. • 80 Rumah Seri Kenangan, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur The Government’s initiative to establish the centre is commendable and the centre is ideally located. Nonetheless: °° Certain parts of the building are not accessible to older persons, especially those in wheelchairs. °° The Government should consider placing medical personnel at the centre to address any immediate health issues that arise. °° Staff shortage is a serious problem that has affected admissions. It is suggested that recruitment be stepped up so that the centre is fully utilised.