Latest news with #urbanmigration
Malay Mail
11-07-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Living alone shouldn't mean living at risk — Lee Wei Xuan
JULY 11 — Have you ever worried about your ageing parents living alone while you're stuck at work, caught in traffic, or living hours away, and wondering if they're really okay? For many Malaysians, this isn't just a passing concern. It's a growing reality as urban migration and busier lifestyles widen the gap between eldercare needs and support systems. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), by 2030, nearly 1 in 7 Malaysians will be aged 60 or older, marking our transition into an ageing nation. With urban migration, declining birth rates, and the rise of nuclear families, more elderly individuals now live alone. For many seniors, the greatest fear is not death — but dependency. In Malaysia, the traditional model of family-based care is under strain. Many older Malaysians now live alone as their children move to other cities or countries for work. Meanwhile, institutional care remains stigmatised. Public aged care facilities are limited and often overwhelmed. Private care homes, on the other hand, can be prohibitively expensive — especially for families in the B40 income group. Most seniors don't want to be in nursing homes, but they also don't want to feel like a burden. So how do we bridge this gap? How can we ensure our seniors live not just longer, but better? For many seniors, the greatest fear is not death — but dependency. In Malaysia, the traditional model of family-based care is under strain. Many older Malaysians now live alone as their children move to other cities or countries for work. — Unsplash pic As a biomedical engineering student, I've been working on a problem-based learning (PBL) project aimed at designing sensor-based solutions for eldercare homes. These technologies are not meant to replace human care, they are meant to support and extend it. These systems range from simple motion detectors and bed-exit alarms to more advanced wearables that monitor heart rate, detect falls, or even track environmental factors like room temperature and air quality. The infrared-based motion sensors are installed in key areas of a home, such as the bathroom or kitchen to detect unusual inactivity, potentially flagging emergencies such as fall or sudden illness. Pressure-based bed sensors can monitor sleep quality or alert caregivers if a senior has not returned to bed after a certain period. The wearables, which have been popular among younger users, can be adapted for seniors with simplified interfaces and emergency alert buttons, ensuring accessibility for those with limited tech savviness. These tools don't just improve safety — they also reduce the psychological burden on elderly individuals, who can maintain their autonomy without feeling constantly supervised. For families, especially those living in different cities or states, these systems offer peace of mind and real-time insights via mobile apps or web dashboards. This PBL experience has changed how I see my role as an engineer. Often, engineering problems are defined in technical terms — numbers, codes, and equipment. But in eldercare, the problem is very human. You're not just designing systems — you're designing trust. What if your grandmother had a fall and no one noticed for hours? What if a simple alert could have changed that? These aren't hypothetical questions, they're real stories happening in our communities. The elderly are not just a demographic group; they are our parents, grandparents, teachers, and neighbours. Designing for them requires empathy and an understanding that dignity, privacy, and independence are deeply personal values. As I look toward my future career, I see a growing need for engineers to design healthcare technologies that are affordable, inclusive, and scalable. We need systems that don't just work in urban hospitals, but also in kampung homes and low-income PPRs. We need a national conversation about ageing — not just about costs and hospitals, but about quality of life. The government's National Policy for Older Persons (Dasar Warga Emas Negara) and the establishment of Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (PAWE) calls for active ageing and community support. Our PBL project shows that these goals are achievable if we blend innovation with empathy. We also need public-private collaborations to accelerate the development and deployment of these tools. Subsidies for home-based eldercare technology, awareness programmes for families, and incentives for engineers and start-ups to work in this space would go a long way. But most of all, we need to start seeing our seniors not as passive recipients of care, but as people who also deserve choices and support. The question is no longer whether Malaysia needs these technologies. The real question is how quickly can we make them accessible, and how many lives can we improve in the process? To policymakers: invest in ageing-in-place technologies, not just hospitals. To fellow engineers and students: build with empathy, not just expertise. To families: don't wait for a crisis to think about how we care for our ageing loved ones. Because living alone shouldn't mean living in fear. With the right mix of engineering, policy, and compassion, we can create a future where Malaysian seniors age not just safely, but proudly — with their independence, dignity, and peace of mind. * Lee Wei Xuan is a final year biomedical engineering student at Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, and may be contacted at [email protected] ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
5 Small Cities Attracting the Most Retirees
Large cities have a lot to offer, from robust public transportation services to extensive entertainment and cultural offerings. But a new study found that retirees are increasingly choosing to move to small cities instead. Check Out: Read Next: GOBankingRates spoke with experts to explore the reasons behind this trend and whether it's something we'll continue to see in the coming years. Also see the 50 cheapest places to retire across America. A 2025 study by Smart Asset ranked the United States cities that are most popular among retirees age 60 and up. Here are the cities that made the list. Explore More: According to the study, Mesa was the most popular city, with a net gain of 2,044 retirees. Mesa's total population is 511,624. The city also has a significant population of retirees, with 131,562 of its residents being age 60 and up. A total of 2,443 retirees moved to North Las Vegas, while just 1,023 moved out, for a net migration of 1,420 retirees. It's also a smaller city with a population of 284,722. Approximately one-sixth of those residents, or 52,082, are age 60 and up. Paradise came in very closely behind North Las Vegas. Paradise's net retiree migration was 1,416, behind North Las Vegas by only four retirees. Paradise's total population is 177,413, and 37,849 of residents are age 60 and up. Oklahoma City saw a net migration of 1,314 retirees. Of its population of 702,654, 132,318 residents are age 60 and up. Spring Valley's population is 198,326, but nearly a quarter of its residents are age 60 and up. Spring Valley saw a net migration of 1,312 retirees. Small cities are increasingly attracting retirees, and Jeremy Clerc, CEO and co-founder of Assisted Living Magazine, has noticed this trend. Assisted Living Magazine tracks where form submissions originate, and over the past two years, Clerc has noticed a dip in submissions from large metropolitan areas. At the same time, he has seen an increase in submissions from secondary or tertiary cities, defined as cities with populations under 1 million and 500,000, respectively. Clerc suggested several reasons for this change. 'Smaller cities are largely cheaper than big cities when it comes to senior living,' he explained. 'Residents are seeking comfort and low-stress environments in cities where their money can do more.' Clerc also explained that retirees may be attracted to the quality of life and climate in certain small cities. He believed that warmer states generate more interest from seniors looking for retirement living. Retirees also tend to prioritize cities that have a slower pace and lower crime rates. The Smart Asset study also revealed that retirees are moving out of large cities. In fact, 17,084 retirees moved out of New York City, while 3,187 left Los Angeles. San Diego, Washington, D.C., and Denver completed the top five large cities that the most retirees left. According to Sara Carbonell, director of marketing, Amblebrook at Gettysburg at Crown Community Development, retirees may be leaving large cities because they are significantly more expensive compared with rural locations. 'To attract residents, smaller cities and communities like Gettysburg and Amblebrook are motivated to offer an assortment of cultural amenities for people coming from cosmopolitan places like New York City, that are so culturally rich,' she explained. Clerc, whose company is located in New York City, explained that taxes can play a big part in retirees' decisions of where to live as well. 'New York City residents face state and city income taxes, and while Social Security isn't taxed in New York, other retirement income can be,' he said. 'Meanwhile, popular retirement states like Florida, Texas and Nevada have no state income tax on retirement income, which can save a retiree thousands of dollars per year.' Carbonell recommended that retirees consider the cost of living in any city they're thinking of moving to. In particular, it's important to research whether the location taxes retirement funds. 'What does the city offer that you would want to take advantage of and enjoy?' Carbonell said. 'The quality of its art and culture scene is often important, as is its proximity to airports to make travel easy.' Clerc advised that retirees should also consider the quality and proximity of healthcare, including whether there are good hospitals, clinics and specialists nearby. He also explained that since driving gets harder as retirees age, cities that have good public transportation or walkability can be ideal. Retirees should also consider the weather, including what type of weather they prefer and what they're willing to risk. 'Choose a climate that's compatible with your lifestyle and health, and if there is any extreme weather, ensure it's something you can prepare for or counteract,' Clerc recommended. He explained that as retirees flock to certain locations, the infrastructure is also growing to meet the increased demand. In turn, those cities will be even more attractive for future retirees, and it's likely that more retirees will relocate to those areas too. More From GOBankingRates 10 Unreliable SUVs To Stay Away From Buying This article originally appeared on 5 Small Cities Attracting the Most Retirees
Japan Times
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Japan Times
Citing lack of opportunities, young women in Japan are not returning to rural areas
Young women from rural areas in Japan are increasingly deciding not to return to their hometowns after moving to cities, a government report found Friday. In its 2025 white paper on gender equality, approved at a Cabinet meeting the same day, the government stressed the need to eliminate the "fixed sense of gender roles" in rural communities and create environments in which women can play active roles. The white paper featured a survey conducted by the Cabinet Office last December, covering 10,000 men and women age 18 to 39. The survey revealed that the primary reasons for both men and women moving from rural regions to the Tokyo metropolitan area were the lack of opportunities for education and employment. The next most common reason given by women was that they wanted to leave their hometowns. This response was given by 26.8% of female respondents, far outnumbering the 15.0% among men. Of the women who responded that they wanted to leave their hometowns, many said they wished to do so because they wanted to escape from meddling by parents and surrounding people, and because their communities were unlikely to accept diverse values. Respondents also cited the prevalence of gender roles in their hometowns, such as the beliefs that housework, child care and nursing care are women's jobs and that women are responsible for preparing meals and serving tea at community or family gatherings. Meanwhile, 58% of women reported feeling a sense of attachment to their hometowns, surpassing the 51.6% among men. "The fixed sense of gender roles may be a psychological barrier (for women) to return to their hometowns," the white paper said. It emphasized the need to transform rural areas into "regions to which those who have left would want to return," warning that the outflow of women could lead to weaker communities, an increase in unmarried people and a lower birth rate. On Tuesday, the government approved its basic policy guidelines for women's empowerment, which includes supporting female entrepreneurs in regional areas of the country. The Intensive Policy for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of women 2025, adopted at a joint meeting of government task forces, including the Headquarters for the Promotion of Gender Equality led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, stresses it is urgent to make rural areas attractive to women. It contains support for female entrepreneurship through gender equality centers set up by local governments. The measure is aimed at encouraging women not to move out of regional areas. The government considers limited job opportunities for women in such areas as a factor behind the exodus, so it will expand consultation services and facilitate establishing connections with financial institutions to support startups by women.
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Gensler launches City Pulse 2025
New data from 33,000 residents worldwide reveals how cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi can turn attraction into long-term loyalty Based on insights from 33,000 residents in 65 cities across six continents, including deep participation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Attraction and retention are not the same. Cities must understand both to ensure long-term vitality. Place attachment is a resilience strategy. Emotional connection keeps residents rooted, even when affordability or services fluctuate. The future-ready city isn't the most built, it's the most connected. Community, identity, and belonging drive urban success. Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Gensler, the global architecture, design, and planning firm, has released its City Pulse 2025 report, a global study first on urban migration and place attachment. Based on insights from 33,000 residents in 65 cities across six continents, including deep participation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the report provides city leaders with a people-first alternative to traditional city rankings. The survey reveals that while cities in the UAE top global charts in satisfaction, future growth will require deeper investment in community, identity, and belonging to retain residents over the long term. Tim Martin, Co-Managing Director & Principal at Gensler Middle East, said: 'UAE cities are some of the most admired globally for their quality of infrastructure and ambition. But as we look to the future, especially with Vision 2071 and 'We the UAE 2031' in mind, the challenge is not just to attract talent, but to root it. Long-term city vitality will depend on how emotionally connected residents feel, to their neighborhoods, to public life and to the idea of staying for decades.' City Pulse: A New Framework for Measuring Urban Vitality City Pulse 2025 is the first global index to frame cities as emotional ecosystems, not just economic engines. It offers an alternative lens for assessing city performance, one focused on how people feel about where they live, rather than simply what services are provided. In an era shaped by climate risk, affordability pressures, and demographic shifts, the study presents a new framework for understanding how cities can attract, and more importantly, retain people over the long term. The findings reaffirm that attraction and retention are not the same. While many cities are successful in drawing new residents with jobs, safety, and amenities, the factors that lead to people staying are different, driven by emotional connection, belonging, and place attachment. The study also reinforces Gensler's commitment to impact-led, city-scale urban design that is informed by robust research into what residents actually want from their cities. Through this work, Gensler aims to support city leaders and planners in shaping communities that are resilient, connected, and future-ready. Dubai and Abu Dhabi Rank Among the Most Satisfying Cities Worldwide According to the survey, 91% of Dubai residents and 92% of Abu Dhabi residents say they are 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with their city - among the highest satisfaction scores globally. In comparison, satisfaction in London stands at 76%, Tokyo at 63%, and New York at 69%. Yet satisfaction alone does not ensure retention. The City Pulse 2025 report reveals that the strongest predictors of residents staying long-term include feelings of pride, joy, and a sense of home. In contrast, practical aspects such as healthcare quality or job opportunities ranked much lower in determining whether people choose to stay. Affordability and Belonging Are the Next Frontiers While UAE residents value safety, infrastructure, and opportunity, affordability is emerging as a key consideration, mirroring global concerns. The report identifies cost of living as the single most important factor globally when deciding to move to a new city. For the UAE, this is particularly relevant as the country continues its efforts to attract and retain global talent under national frameworks like the Golden Visa and UAE's Talent Pass. As competition intensifies, offering a compelling value proposition, both economic and emotional, will be essential. Tim Martin added: "If the last two decades were about building world-class infrastructure, the next era must be about building world-class belonging. A truly magnetic city is one people don't just move to, it's one they stay in, raise families in, and feel deeply connected to. That's the opportunity for the UAE." To explore the full global report, visit: About Gensler At Gensler, the value of our work stems from its positive impact on the human experience. We are a dynamic and collaborative design firm uniting creativity, research, and innovation to solve complex problems for our clients. Our work challenges conventional ideas about architecture and the built environment. We aren't just designing buildings — we are reimagining cities and places that make a difference in people's lives. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year. Everything we do is guided by our mission: to create a better world through the power of design. About the Gensler Research Institute The Gensler Research Institute is dedicated to advancing knowledge on the relationship between design, business performance, and human experience. Through global studies and local insight, the Institute provides strategies that drive impact in a fast-changing world. Media Contact: Rochelle Alphonso rochelle@
CNA
20-05-2025
- General
- CNA
CNA Correspondent - Japan's growing akiya phenomenon points to more empty homes as the population ages
CNA Correspondent An increasing number of homes in rural Japan are being abandoned due to urban migration and depopulation. These empty structures are attracting foreigners, lured by their cheap prices. CNA's Michiyo Ishida tells Teresa Tang what some communities are doing in the face of an existential crisis.
