Singapore is second at 12.1 percent with Vietnam third at 9.2 percent.

According to a 2023 ASEAN Secretariat study titled "Old Age Poverty and Active Ageing in ASEAN: Trends and Opportunities", the region is aging faster than many developed countries.

ASEAN figures also show that between 2016 and 2022, the elderly population in the region grew more than four times faster than the region's total population.

In 2015, ASEAN adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Ageing during the tenure of Malaysia's chairmanship of the regional body.

The declaration recognized the growing proportion of older persons in the population and called for health and social support systems to meet the challenge.

It also recommended actions to promote healthy, active and productive aging, seeking to strengthen older persons and the support from their families.

Associate Professor Tey Nai Peng from the University of Malaya said that in addition to the declaration, ASEAN member states have also formulated national policies to support older persons, including efforts to expand pension coverage.

"However, challenges remain, as coverage rates and benefit adequacy vary across countries," he said.

Use of technology

Despite the challenges, Tey said ASEAN countries can learn from each other in adopting effective policies.

In Malaysia, cities like Penang Island and Sibu have been recognized by the World Health Organization's global network for age-friendly cities and communities.

The network aims to foster age-friendly community to promote and strengthen healthy aging.

"The integration of technology designed to address the specific needs of the elderly is being explored in these cities to support independent living and reduce the strain on family caregivers," Tey said.