Demographic and Epidemiological Transitions and Their Implications for Family Support in Brunei Darussalam

Introduction:

Brunei Darussalam has undergone a rapid demographic and epidemiological transition characterised by declining fertility, increased life expectancy, and a shift from infectious diseases to chronic non-communicable conditions. While these transitions are often examined through macro-level demographic and health indicators, their implications for family systems and intergenerational support structures remain less frequently explored. This study examines how these transitions impact family support systems in Brunei, drawing on a demographic transition and intergenerational support framework situated within the welfare diamond to examine shifts in the roles of family, state, market and community in caregiving.

Methods:

This study draws on secondary analysis and synthesis of national census data, mortality trends, population projections and local studies from Brunei to examine changes in demographic structure and disease patterns. The analysis focuses on their implications for family support and caregiving arrangements, and intergenerational dynamics within households.

Results:

The analysis highlights several intersecting dynamics affecting families. Sustained low fertility and shrinking household size reduce the number of adult children available to support ageing parents, contributing to a rising old-age dependency ratio. Increased longevity, combined with a growing burden of chronic disease extends the duration and complexity of caregiving, particularly for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. Gendered patterns of widowhood and increased female workforce participation reshape traditional caregiving expectations within households. The presence of a large temporary migrant workforce further produces a demographic duality in which the overall population appears demographically younger, while citizen families age more rapidly.

Conclusions:

These demographic and epidemiological changes are transforming family roles, intergenerational reciprocity, and caregiving arrangements in Brunei. By integrating local demographic and epidemiological data with a family-centred analytic lens, this study highlights pressures on the family as the primary care provider within the welfare diamond. As families become smaller and chronic illness more prevalent, the sustainability of family-based care systems warrants further scrutiny. The experience of Brunei illustrates how rapid transitions can reshape family support structures in small, rapidly modernising societies, offering insights for other ageing populations undergoing similar social and demographic change.