More calls for senior volunteers as M’sia grows into ageing nation
PETALING JAYA: After retiring from his work in the metal welding business at 60, Choong Chee Mun went straight to work – volunteering to cut grass.
The 68-year-old is the grasscutter for the Salvation Army’s children’s home in Ipoh, as well as many other places in the city.
“It is a hefty task, taking almost a week to cut and about four hours a day,” he said.
He cuts for seven different places, including churches and other charitable homes or offices.
“Since there are so many places and it grows so fast, I cut grass everyday, taking turns in different areas,” said Choong, who is a father of four.
The retired welder added that helping others benefits him too.
“Although I did not have any experience with grass cutting, I felt the calling to serve the community, so I picked it up.
“When I help others, it benefits me as well,” he said, adding that he brings his own grass cutting machine.
Besides cutting grass, he is also the handyman for the children’s home, and is available to help whenever called.
According to the Department of Statistics, Malaysia has hit the ageing nation milestone – where 7% of the population comprises people aged 65 and above – in 2021 and 17% of its population will be 60 years or older by 2040.
With ageing comes a shrinking workforce and while Malaysia can still attract foreign workers, the latter will inevitably be drawn to other countries who can offer higher, more competitive wages.
To overcome a smaller workforce, some countries are pushing their elderly populations to volunteer in community services.
China’s National Committee on Ageing has issued new guidelines on Sept 20 to promote the Silver Age Action initiative to boost the participation of elderly volunteers, with a focus on improving services such as childcare, senior care, disability assistance and support for disadvantaged children.
Chairman of the Malaysian Coalition on Ageing Cheah Tuck Wing encouraged more seniors to volunteer their time and talents for the good of society and themselves.
He noted that some senior citizens, especially those who were professionals can contribute by sharing their past experiences with the younger generation through training and coaching.
“When senior citizens are active both physically and mentally, it slows the process of ageing and helps them remain healthy.
“Many who volunteered will have a sense of pride and fulfilment of doing something good without any expectation in return,” he said.
However, he stressed that while volunteering should be encouraged, paid work for senior citizens should be promoted.
“Seniors who wish to continue working because of little retirement savings should be given the opportunity to work,” he said, adding that old age poverty should be addressed.
Founder of Seniors Aloud Lily Fu said that more senior citizens are encouraged to volunteer to overcome the lack of workers, especially with Malaysia becoming an ageing country.
“By volunteering, seniors can continue to be productive and contribute to society. They will remain physically fit, mentally active and socially engaged,” she said.
“We have a core group that does volunteer work at elderly care centres, people’s housing projects flats, soup kitchens and more.
“We also do fundraising projects, including to purchase things like new bedding and physiotherapy equipment for elderly welfare homes,” she said.
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