Rethinking Security: Addressing Retirement Insecurity Among Malaysia's Ageing Singles

Abstract: This conceptual paper examines the retirement preparedness of single women in Malaysia, a demographic that is often overlooked and encounters distinct socio-economic disadvantages as they age. Drawing on national statistics, empirical research, and international policy frameworks, this paper examines how gender disparities, cultural expectations, and gaps in the social protection system contribute to financial insecurity among unmarried women after retirement. The discussion underscores how traditional reliance on familial support is increasingly unsustainable in a modern, ageing society, particularly for women without children or spouses. The paper proposes a gender-sensitive conceptual framework that integrates caregiving roles, informal employment, long-term care costs, and institutional gaps as key determinants of retirement insecurity. Policy recommendations include expanding pension access to informal workers, introducing caregiver credits, promoting long-term care planning, and strengthening community-based eldercare. This study highlights the urgent need to reimagine Malaysia’s retirement system to ensure that ageing single women can retire with security and social inclusion. Keywords: Retirement preparedness, social security, gender inequality, ageing population, pension policy JEL Classification Number: H55, E26, J14