Retirement can be an opportunity to do things we never had time for in our younger days. Photo: 123rf.com
To Mohd Adli Yahya, getting older means being able to do things that he never had the time or opportunity to do before. The founder and director of Autism Cafe Project, Mohd Adli says that having this perspective has enabled him to achieve personal goals.
“Ageing is, to me, being able to do something that you’re comfortable with and something that you missed during your younger days. Now at this age, you have that opportunity,” says Adli, who turns 58 soon.
“My son is autistic and that gives me a focus on what to do next. Every morning I try to find something that I can do for him to live his life to the fullest,” he says.
Mohd Adli was a former executive director of Standard Chartered Foundation. After leaving his corporate life, he started the Autism Cafe Project which trains special needs youth with skills so they can earn an income.
Mohd Adli will be one of the three speakers at the Star Media Group’s free webinar entitled “Navigating transitions to thrive at 50 and beyond” on Oct 27. The webinar is part of the Be A Star After 50 campaign, which promotes positive ageing.
Money is nothing without good health, says Cheah. - CHEAH TUCK WING
The collaboration between Star Media Group and Nutren Optimum by Nestle Health Science celebrates Malaysians over 50 who are exemplary role models in four STAR “pillars”: S for Sporty (active), T for Tenderhearted (community work), A for Ambitious (new experiences, new skills), and R for Radiant (health and wellness)
Health is wealth
Founding President of the Third Age Media Association Kuala Lumpur & Selangor, Cheah Tuck Wing says that ageing well is all about keeping yourself healthy.
Everyone, he says, should be responsible for their own well-being and this care shouldn’t start only after retirement.
“If you don’t have health, you don’t have anything in the end,” says Cheah, 62.
Cheah says that life will become miserable if you have to be dependent on others.
Just because you are older, doesn't mean you can't try new things, says Bon. - BON ZAINAL“Even if you have tons of money with you, without good health, you become dependent and bed-ridden and life becomes meaningless.
“Our association is constantly promoting healthy and active ageing, as we believe that is the way to go. Not only is it rewarding, but you also save on hospital bills,” says Cheah.He also believes that seniors will find life can be more meaningful and enriching if they can spend some time giving back to society. “It’s mind over matter. We have plenty of time now when we’re fully retired to do something that makes our life meaningful. Contribute back to society and the community with your experience and your knowledge,” Cheah adds.
Invest in yourself
Meanwhile, Malaysian fashion entrepreneur Bon Zainal, 56, says that age shouldn’t be a barrier for trying new things.
“We should be happy as we age,” he says. “We shouldn’t feel that just because we’re old we can’t dress up, we can’t do sports. To me that’s a no. The older we get, the more mature we become, that’s the time we should be living our life. At the same time, do good and give back,” he shares.
Bon also feels it’s important to stay active for the body to “keep going” and that is why he goes to the gym every day.
“It’s part of my life. I live near my office, so I don’t drive, I walk every day to keep myself active and I can save so much time too.
“It’s all about mentality, if we can spend our time buying expensive cars and modifying them, why not do it for yourself? Same as houses, we renovate our homes and make them better. If we can do that, we can do it for ourself too, simple as that,” he adds.
For more secrets on ageing well, register for the webinar (bit.ly/beastarafter50-reg). To find out more about the Be a Star After 50 campaign call 017-231 1789.
