LETTERS: IT has been reported that there are about 2.5 million people aged 65 and above this year in Malaysia, an increase of 7.4 per cent compared with 2022.
By 2040, the elderly population is estimated to increase to six million, which will raise issues of healthcare and general wellbeing. It is estimated that nine years of a person's retired life will be embroiled in health concerns and complications.
Catering to the health needs of senior citizens will take ever larger slices of the nation's economic pie, as life expectancy increases due to better medical care.
Another concern is that about 35 per cent of those aged 54 and above have less than RM10,000 in their EPF accounts.
Thus, it is important to ensure one's financial stability upon retirement to ensure physical and mental wellbeing are taken care of.
If one is physically and mentally able, one should continue working so that one does not have to rely on the children or country for one's needs.
Companies can employ senior citizens on a contractual basis for tasks they can do and reward them accordingly without taking advantage of their retired status.
Another option is to offer one's time and energy to help the community or non-governmental organisations. Renew old ties with former classmates, friends and extended family members.
Maintain a lively, fruitful, independent, engaging and healthy lifestyle as one advances gracefully in his or her golden years.
Staying mentally and physically active will add years to life. Avoid stress and worries as that can affect your physical and mental health hugely.
Inactivity and isolation can result in loneliness, which in turn can lead to heart disease and major non-communicable diseases.
Doing 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week can prolong life and deter 6 to 10 per cent of diseases from happening, according to medical experts.
Therefore, inactive behaviour is not an option for retirees and senior citizens. Finally, treat ageing as inevitable but realise that one's advanced years can be some of the best and most rewarding.
DR TAN ENG BEE
Mental Health Coach,
Kajang, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
