Caregivers support a nationwide silver alert system for missing elderly but warn that practical challenges and public awareness could limit its effectiveness.
PETALING JAYA: Caregivers of elderly Malaysians say a nationwide silver alert system could save lives but they warn that practical challenges may limit its effectiveness.
For Nuraida Rahman, 50, who cares for her mother with early-stage dementia, the concept is “good in theory”, but she questions how effective it would be in practice.
“With social media and technology today, missing persons alerts already exist in some form, although often inconsistently.”
“A silver alert could have better research behind it, but who would want to advertise it on media platforms like radio or newspapers? Cases involving missing older people, especially those who wander occasionally, rarely get proper coverage. I don’t think media companies would be too keen either.”
Despite such reservations, Nuraida welcomed the idea of a coordinated alert system.
“Anything that increases the chance of finding seniors safely is worth exploring. The challenge will be turning it into something practical that reaches people fast enough.”
Siti (not her real name), who looks after her elderly father, said a silver alert could make a real difference for families like hers.
“I think the idea is very good. Many elderly people are senile and tend to wander by themselves. They are not always tech-savvy, don’t use phones regularly and may not remember important details like home addresses.
“A system that quickly alerts authorities and the public could prevent small wanderings from turning into dangerous situations.”
Siti added that caregivers often live under constant anxiety.
“Even a short absence or lack of updates can be terrifying.
“A silver alert could give families peace of mind, knowing there is a coordinated approach to locate their loved ones before something worse happens.”
Another caregiver, Johan (not his real name), who cares for his grandmother, offered a slightly different perspective.
“The idea is promising, but the system must be simple and widely understood. It won’t help if only authorities know about the alert and the public is unaware.
“Elderly people often leave home quietly and if neighbours or local communities aren’t informed quickly, precious hours can be lost.”
Johan emphasised the importance of combining technology with community involvement.
“We need local volunteers, neighbourhood watch programmes and coordination with clinics and shops. Technology alone won’t solve the problem if people on the ground don’t know what to do when they see a missing senior. The system has to reflect the realities of elderly behaviour. Otherwise, it will just exist on paper.”
Even so, he sees silver alerts as a potentially life-saving tool – but only if the system reaches the public, actively supports families and addresses the day-to-day realities of caring for the elderly.
“A silver alert system must be practical, easy to understand and integrated within the community. Only then can it provide families with the support and peace of mind they desperately need,” Johan said.
