The Spatial Change and Distribution of Senior Citizens 1980 – 2020 in Sarawak, Malaysia

Asykal, Syakinah (2025) The Spatial Change and Distribution of Senior Citizens 1980 – 2020 in Sarawak, Malaysia. Masters thesis, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK.

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Abstract

This research explores the spatial distribution and demographic shifts of senior citizens in Sarawak, Malaysia from 1980 to 2020, highlighting the impacts of urbanization, social policies, and infrastructure changes. Utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques and analyzing secondary data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM), this study maps the trends and patterns affecting senior citizen populations in urban and rural settings. The GIS approach was employed to analyze demographic data, providing insights into the spatial dynamics of aging populations across Sarawak. This method facilitated a detailed examination of how changes in urbanization and policy have influenced the distribution and density of senior citizens. Results indicate a significant increase in the senior population in major urban centers such as Kuching, Miri, and Sibu, driven by robust urbanization and internal migration towards areas with better amenities and healthcare services. The study also notes marked differences in the distribution of senior citizens between rural and urban areas, shaped by infrastructural and policy developments over the past four decades.The findings have substantial implications for urban planning and public policy in Sarawak. They underscore the necessity to enhance urban infrastructure and services to support an aging population and highlight the need for integrated spatial planning and social services to address the requirements of rural senior citizens. The research advocates for proactive and sustainable urban planning to improve the quality of life for Sarawak’s elderly residents. Further investigation is suggested into the effects of climate change and environmental factors on the residential choices of senior citizens and longitudinal studies to evaluate the effectiveness of policies on their welfare. This study contributes significantly to the fields of population demographics and geographic research by demonstrating how GIS can be effectively used to analyze and respond to the challenges of aging populations in the context of rapid urbanization and infrastructural evolution. It calls for leveraging geospatial technology in policy-making to enhance community welfare, particularly for senior citizens.

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