A SENIOR citizen home came alive with laughter and music as its residents and guests gathered for a double celebration to commemorate the home’s 89th anniversary and Senior Citizen Day.
The Selangor King George V Silver Jubilee Fund (SKGV) Home for the Elderly in Jalan Jubilee, Kuala Lumpur, houses 45 senior citizens.
The home’s trustee and executive committee chairman Datuk Seri Yong Seow Yeow said the event attracted 300 guests, including senior citizens from other homes, volunteers, sponsors and regular donors.
“We have also invited senior citizens from six homes in Seri Kembangan, Ampang, Puchong and Sungai Way to attend,” he told StarMetro.
The event was also held in conjunction with the International Senior Citizen Day.
Seow Yeow said the annual luncheon was first held in 1990 but was stopped for two years during the Covid-19 pandemic movement control order.
He said the home was founded in 1937 by philanthropists the late Cheong Yoke Choy and Liew Weng Chee.
“It was established with the mission of providing proper shelter and care for elderly immigrant Chinese women who had worked in the tin mining industry and were unemployed and homeless due to old age.
“For nearly nine decades, SKGV has remained steadfast in its commitment to caring for Chinese women aged 65 and above who are without dependents or financial support, by providing accommodation, meals and daily necessities free of charge, through the generous support of donors and well-wishers.
“SKGV has expanded its services by establishing a daycare centre at its new premises within the same compound.
“The centre provides a safe, comfortable and engaging environment where senior citizens can spend their weekdays participating in recreational activities, social interaction and wellness programmes,” said Seow Yeow.
A nominal monthly contribution from the families of residents is required to support the daycare centre’s operations.
The event featured lion dance, 24-festive drum showcase, singing and dance performance.
Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, the home’s chief trustee Ng Sze Han, Seri Kembangan assemblyman Wong Siew Ki, trustee and home exco member and co-organising chairman Desmond Yong and co-organising chairman Lee Jen Uyin.
Ng, who is also Selangor investment, trade and mobility committee chairman, said building a care society was a long-term commitment and investment required not only from the government but from everyone.
“Our nation is ageing very fast; by 2048, Malaysia will become an ageing nation, thus highlighting the importance of care services.
“The Selangor government is looking at a new approach where addressing the long-term societal need for care services can drive economic growth in the caregiving sector,” he said.
Yeoh said that besides physical needs, homes should also look into the social needs and the mental health of old folk.
“To support active ageing, we are pushing for more green space to be gazetted and open parks as early as 5.30am for seniors to exercise.
“Old folk also need fellowship and companionship, ignoring these needs leaves seniors lonely and will make them targets for love scams online.
“Organisations should also focus more on organising social events for them, rather than solely focusing on health screenings.
“As for mental health, Kuala Lumpur City Hall has set aside RM4.5mil to restore two centres and turn them into daycare centres,” she said.
The event also saw Seow Yeow awarding angpow to six home residents for their exemplary behaviour, positive attitude and contributions to the home’s daily community life.
Free basic health assessments and traditional Chinese medicine consultations were also provided to the residents by Tung Shin Hospital during the event.
