The entire world is progressing towards an ageing population, as, until 2030, 1.4 billion population will be elderly, which leads to 2.1 billion by 2050. The changing lifestyle and the declining fertility rate are main reasons for drastic makeover of economic environment and business issues. This study aims to examine the critical issues of Human Resource Management (HRM) in elderly care sector. The success of a business is associated with employed staff and ‘ human resource’ in elderly care centres entails knowledge, skills, passion, loyalty, and personal traits. A qualitative research strategy is adopted, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 HR executives of elderly care centres throughout Malaysia. Saldana’s structured inductive data analysis method for analysis. The result revealed critical issues of human resource management such as lack of professional and competent workers, absence of flexible and adaptive potential of employees. A recommendation plan is proposed regarding planning, recruitment, selection, training and professional development and supervision, and support of staff. Thus, it is imperative to achieve these objectives of human resource management in elderly care centres to provide graceful ageing to an older adult. The findings of the study may use as a guide for HR executives in elderly care centres.

Purpose The ageing population is a rising issue worldwide, including in Malaysia, which leads to an increase in older people compared to children. Malaysia is a relatively “younger” country compared to its Asian counterparts such as Japan and China. The demographic projections by the Department of Statistics of Malaysia state that by 2035 approximately 15% of its population would be above 60 years old. The powerful demographic trend of the ageing of the Malaysian population has consequences for the entire society and its economy. One of the biggest challenges for the Malaysian Government is to provide adequate facilities to the elderly in terms of care and support. For this purpose, around 365 registered and various unregistered centres are working throughout Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak. The government, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and various religious organisations run these centres. These centres provide residential and health-care services to elderlies, whereas the centre’s operators face multiple challenges in the overall operation of the centre. The purpose of this study to highlight the leadership and decision making challenges among elderly care centre operators. Design/methodology/approach The result highlights that both men and women operators face leadership and decision-making challenges for centre management. Regarding decision-making, women are experiencing more failures in proper decision-making than men. However, women operators are keen to learn from failures for appropriate decision-making. Findings The result highlights that both men and women operators face leadership and decision-making challenges for centre management. Regarding decision-making, women are experiencing more failures in proper decision-making than men. However, women operators are keen to learn from failures for appropriate decision-making. The present study will help the new operators to persevere in their business ventures, and policymakers look into the best supports to enhance elderly care centre operator’s success. Originality/value The present study will help the new operators to persevere in their business ventures, and policymakers look into the best supports to enhance elderly care centre operator’s success.