LETTERS: As Malaysians live longer, the number of seniors will continue to grow. Seniors play two key roles in society.
Firstly, they are caregivers to their spouses, children and grandchildren, offering support, assistance and love. This role includes emotional support and companionship.
When one spouse becomes weak or ill, the other often steps in as the primary caregiver, providing essential support for daily tasks, such as household management, accompanying the spouse for medical appointments and ensuring the wellbeing of their partner.
Some seniors care for adult children who may have disabilities or health challenges. Despite the uncertainties about the future, they continue to provide love and compassion to ensure their children's wellbeing.
For many seniors, being a grandparent brings immeasurable joy and fulfilment. By helping with childcare, offering transportation, assisting with schoolwork and providing emotional support, grandparents play an essential role in their grandchildren's lives.
Secondly, seniors also take on the often-overlooked key role of volunteering their services to the community.
Many healthy and active seniors volunteer their help readily, be it at a soup kitchen, a disabled centre, a charitable organisation or a place of worship. Many organisations would be hard-pressed to function without such volunteers.
The caveat is that these seniors are only able to contribute if they are healthy enough. There are two ways to nurture healthy and active senior citizens.
First, a national policy on ageing. It is imperative to develop a comprehensive policy that supports active ageing and healthy lifestyles among seniors.
A central focus of the policy should be promoting healthy lifestyles among seniors, including regular exercise, eating nutritious food and resources for stress management and mental wellbeing.
The policy should acknowledge seniors' contributions to society and emphasise the importance of their continued participation in community life.
The policy should encourage seniors to engage in their communities, whether through volunteering, participating in social activities or pursuing lifelong learning.
The government should rope in groups and organisations that are already assisting and supporting seniors. Seniors can be powerful enablers.
I would like to elaborate on the good work done by a volunteer group called Seniors Aloud, consisting of seniors who cheer on and help other seniors lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
Seniors Aloud stands as a beacon of hope and support for Malaysia's senior citizens. Led by the indomitable Lily Fu, Seniors Aloud has emerged as a vital platform for seniors seeking information, inspiration and connection.
Seniors Aloud offers a range of opportunities for seniors to stay active and engaged:
Community engagement. Seniors Aloud organises activities to promote the physical and mental wellbeing of seniors, from hiking and heritage walks to singing, arts and cultural enrichment.
Social connection. Seniors can connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences and find purpose and belonging. The camaraderie and support in Seniors Aloud contribute to enhanced wellbeing and fulfilment.
Empowerment. By encouraging seniors to lead active and meaningful lives, they are empowered to make a positive impact on their communities.
By promoting caregiving, community engagement and healthy lifestyles among seniors, we can create a more resilient and inclusive society for all.
POLA SINGH
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
