ABSTRACT
Malaysia has made tremendous economic and social advancements since the country achieved independence in 1957. The labor-force participation rates of adults ages 55–64 are lower than those of younger adults. Older adults are seldom regarded as key resources in Malaysian community, environmental, or economic development. The innovative approach of Malaysia's community centers engages older adults as central players in the family and community. Still another principle inherent in the idea of community centers is that every community should provide education and training outside mere formal schooling. The Petaling Jaya Community Centre (PJCC) sponsors a number of initiatives, such as regular exercise programs, to improve the health of older adults. The center's wide-ranging services now include environmental intercession in the form of a recycling operation at an environmental activity center. PJCC sponsors an annual Caregivers Training Program to train local service providers in the particular needs of older adults.
