Senior citizens stole the spotlight at a fundraising gala dinner called “Glamparents Showtime” in Penang.
The sassy seniors donned colourful outfits for fashion shows, danced and sang for an enthusiastic 500-strong audience.
Loud cheers greeted couples who rolled back the years and strutted the catwalk with poise and charisma.
For some of the participants interviewed, the secret to happiness and fulfilment in senior years was staying socially connected and active.
Retired couple Ricky Goh, 71, and Christine Chan, 67, said they appreciated the camaraderie at the gala.
“It was my first time on the catwalk. Many of our family and friends came to cheer us on,” said Ricky, a former telecommunications sales manager who founded a fitness dance group after retirement.
Chan, who used to be a kindergarten teacher, described the event as especially meaningful as it coincided with Mothers Day.
“Such occasions are great for seniors like us to meet up and enjoy life together,” she said.
Also enjoying their brief moment in the limelight were retired restaurateurs Goh Theng San, 62, and Gan Seok Peng, 61.
“I wanted to be a model in my younger days but lacked the height and opportunity. Now I’ve finally done it,” Gan quipped.
Theng San weighed in, saying, “It’s important to maintain a social life after retirement. It allows one to pass time and stay sharp.”
Functional medicine practitioner Dr Mecherl Lim, 76, who splits her time between Penang and Australia, often joins senior pageants.
“I want to inspire more older women and grandmothers to come out and have fun. When your children are all grown up, it’s your time to enjoy life,” she said.
The gala served to raise funds for D’Home Mental Health Association and Rose Charities Malaysia.
It netted over RM70,000 through corporate donations, individual contributions and a live auction of art and jewellery, which will be split between the two beneficiaries.
The event was organised by the Glammas – a community of passionate senior women – co-founded by Baby Goh and Engel Cheoh.
Baby, who also served as the event’s organising chairman, said the funds would bring hope, care and meaningful support to underprivileged members of the community.
“Tonight was a beautiful reminder that when we come together with compassion, even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference,” she said in her speech.
Tan Lean Kee, wife of Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, commended the Glammas for their efforts to promote active ageing and purposeful living.
“It proves that there’s life after 60. Seniors can continue to inspire, impact and live meaningfully. It’s not a time to slow down.
“The Penang2030 vision calls for a vibrant and resilient community, one where ageing is celebrated as a dynamic phase of life, marked by vitality, purpose and beauty,” said Tan.
The event, at a banquet hall in George Town, was also enlivened by performances from various groups including children and musical ensemble.
Also present were state social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, D’Home Mental Health Association president Datuk Seri Leslie Lee, Penang Women’s Development Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng and Rose Charities acting president Vince Yeoh.
