Page 16 - AEI Insights 2020 - Vol. 6, Issue 1

AEI Insights, Vol 6, Issue 1, 2020

The negative perception of old age among society means that older people may face social
exclusion, discrimination, and unequal treatment without adequate protection of their human
rights (Chiesa, Zaniboni, Guglielmi, & Vignoli, 2019). Previous literature found that older
workers suffer from negative views and stereotype by employers at the workplace resulting to
discrimination against older people in employment (Debrah, 1996). Study also showed that the
enjoyment of human rights diminishes with age as being old is associated with lower
productivity (Van Dalen, Henkens, & Schippers, 2010) and slower to adapt to new technology
(McCann & Keaton, 2013). Nevertheless, the challenges brought about by ageing population
in ASEAN should not be seen as a burden to the economy and organisation. While old age does
not necessarily mean frailty and passive dependency, older people are a valuable asset as they
have skills, experiences, wisdoms and knowledge which can be put to use for economic benefit
through their continuous participation in the labour market (Vasconcelos, 2018). Despite older
people’s potentials and their contribution to the economy, however, in many ASEAN countries,
this segment of society still tends to be excluded from the labour market.
Allowing older people to work could ensure their self-sufficiency in old age considering the
long retirement duration older people may experience as a result of the increase in life
expectancies. Moreover, public transfers are relatively low in many ASEAN countries where,
people face insufficient funds leading to greater pressure to finance their consumption during
old-age. However, compared to other advanced countries, the statutory retirement age across
ASEAN countries are quite low for instance, 55-60 in Cambodia, 57 in Indonesia, and 60 in
Brunei, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam (OECD, 2018).

Thus, the increasing number of older people and the preparation for ageing workforce has
aroused interest among policymakers with regards to the right of older people in ASEAN
specifically in promoting decent work, equal employment and non-discrimination in the labour
market. This is in line with the objectives of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing
(MIPAA), which ensures that people can age with security and dignity through continuous
participation in their societies as citizens with full rights. Aligned with MIPAA, 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development has also focus on reducing inequality and reaching all population
groups, especially those furthest behind by promoting full and productive employment and
decent work for all.
Regionally, ASEAN has established the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human
Rights in 2009 in its effort to promote human rights among the 10 ASEAN countries. As a
result, ASEAN Human Rights Declaration was adopted which affirms that human rights belong
to every person including older people (ASEAN, 2013b). Older people have the right to a
dignified and decent work, to equal opportunity and treatment on the same terms as other
workers which includes practices on wages, hours of work, occupational safety and health,
recruitment processes, treatment in workplace and inclusion of older people in the decision-
making processes (ASEAN Trade Union Council, 2016).

At the national level, several governments introduced legislations pertaining to the right of
older persons to equal treatment and non-discrimination. The legislation is listed in Table 5.

Country Legislation Highlight

Myanmar Elders Law (2016) Health and well-being, social
pensions, care of older persons,
prevention of discrimination
and abuse

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