Malaysia's superageing seniors share lifelong practices and habits that work


Thavamoney leading the group in not one but three dances.

Thavamoney Pillai may be 82 but she says, “I don’t feel old.”

“I am a retired teacher and I used to teach Physical Education, so I used to play all sorts of sports – from canoeing to swimming to dancing. I am still really active although maybe I don’t play as many different types of sports as when I was younger. But I teach line dancing still and Bible study too so my mind and body are still active,” said Thavamoney, one of eight superagers in a study by Universiti Malaya (UM) researchers on seniors who have aged extraordinarily well.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Family

Starchild: Malaysian kids share dreams of travelling overseas and exploring the world
New book commemorates Malaysia's first residential school for girls
Starchild: Malaysian kids celebrate Teachers Day and say thank you to teachers
A birth defect does not stop this child from dreaming big
Epic adventure: Family concert promises an afternoon of musical discovery
This foundation helps Malaysian children with heart disease access treatment
Scientists discover dangerous amounts of lead in clothes for kids
How parents can work together with their children to improve their grades
Managing the mental weight of household expenses
Save, stretch, sacrifice: How mothers manage home finances amid uncertainties

Others Also Read