The Malay elderly at the fringe of metropolitan region, Selangor: Experience and perception of self

The subjective experience of being old has become increasingly distressing especially for those who are sick and relying on others. This experience has changed the way the elderly look at themselves. The elderly often feel rejected, neglected, abused and being labeled negatively by others especially young people. This paper has two main objectives, i.e. understand life experiences of elderly people and analyses the effect of these experiences on their perception of self. Data is drawn from qualitative research conducted over one year period (from June 2009 to May 2010) with 20 elderly informants selected by using purposive sampling in three districts in Selangor (Kuala Selangor, Kuala Langat and Sepang). An in-depth interview method was used whereby each informant was interviewed at least three times. The data were analysed based on themes. Results indicate that elderly people experienced social isolation, scared, loss of autonomy and old sources of happiness, abused, spiritual needs and feel that they are becoming social, economic and emotional burdens to their immediate families.