Beyond Money: Willingness, Motivators, and Barriers of Time Bank for Older People Participation in Urban Malaysia – A Qualitative Study
Nur Shafira Azizan, Chong Chin Che, Mei Chan Chong, Maw Pin Tan, Yong Kek Pang, Khadijah AlaviBackground
As Malaysia’s urban population of older adults continues to grow, innovative approaches are essential to promote active ageing and foster mutual support within communities. A time bank, a system where people exchange services using time as currency, offers a promising way to strengthen community support. However, its success relies on public understanding and willingness to participate. In Malaysia, especially among those unfamiliar with the concept, cultural values and social dynamics may shape perceptions.
Objective
This study explored the willingness, motivators, and barriers to participation in a time bank for community-dwelling older people, with a specific focus on the urban Malaysian context.
Method
The study employed a qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews with seven guided questions. It was conducted in an urban district, Malaysia. Purposive sampling was used to recruit twelve participants, who had no prior knowledge of time bank concept. The interview transcripts and field notes were analyzed using thematic analysis. ATLAS.TI (Version 8.4.3) software was used for coding, organizing, creating audit trails, and retrieving data.
Results
Five overarching themes and nineteen subthemes emerged: (1) Conceptualization of Time Banking, (2) Motivators for Participation, (3) Barriers to Participation, (4) Participation Willingness, and (5) Engagement Strategies.
Conclusion
The findings provide valuable insights for older people care and community health interventions. Health professionals, social workers, and aged-care service providers can leverage time banking as a preventive and community-based tool to support older adults and promote active ageing.