From ‘kodokushi’ in Japan to Perak villages, lonely deaths rise as Malaysia’s ageing population grows

At the centre, a community initiative under the Department of Social Welfare, the 75-year-old woman takes part in various activities with other senior citizens, rather than spending her days alone at home, where she has lived by herself since her husband died 22 years ago and their two children got married.

Despite repeatedly being invited by her children to live with them, Jahara insists on staying in her own home. And the remedy for her loneliness is the activity centre.

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