Socioemotional drivers and religious belief in promoting social engagement and participation among Malaysian older persons / Nur Amalina Aziz

Many countries including Malaysia is heading towards an aged-country status by 2030, which expected to reach 15% of total population. One way to prepare our country to reach such status is through social participation of older persons in social activities to promote active ageing. This study aimed to explore socioemotional drivers and religious belief in promoting social engagement and participation among older persons. The argument of this thesis was based on one prominent theory in gerontology is Socioemotional Selectivity Theory by Cartensen, while this theory is proven as effective, where many scholars utilize this theory in gerontology research. Semistructured interview is conducted, involving 41 Malaysian older persons who represented three (3) urbanized states including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang. Snowball sampling technique and purposive sampling techniques were conducted in the study. Thematic analysis is also used by using the tool NVivo version 12.0. Findings revealed that all four socioemotional drives including time, meaning of life, responsibilities and hobbies were proven correct. But, in this context of the study, religious belief was identified as additional aspect to be covered with assumption as one of the most applicable in the Malaysian context, considering Malaysia is considered as multi-racial and multi-religions. Therefore, these three aspects including socioemotional- religion should be embedded in social activities programs in enhancing the social engagement and participation among older persons. This thesis argued that socioemotional drivers and as key important aspects to promote active ageing among older person in the Malaysian context.