KUALA LUMPUR: Former financial assistant Nik Aiza Nik Zakaria, 64, used to feel overwhelmed by the fast-moving digital world.
She did not know how to shop online or scan QR codes and relied entirely on cash.
“I didn’t know how to use technology. I was even afraid to ask my children for help because I was worried about scams,” she said.
All that was before she joined up for courses at the Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (Senior Citizens Activity Centre), or PAWE in Lembah Pantai.
“Now I am more confident. I can use cashless payments almost anywhere,” she said.
Beyond that, Nik Aiza also takes part in cross-cultural activities such as making murukku, as well as spiritual programmes including Quran recitation and qiamullail.
She also stays connected with her family, spending time with them weekly and even driving her children to work daily.
She is not alone. Many elderly people are finding relief and renewed purpose at these community spaces where companionship, learning and activity go hand in hand.
Former project manager Noriza Samad, 62, had struggled with depression after being diagnosed with B2 visual impairment following a stroke in 2020.
Her husband, Fadzil Talib, had died in 2016.
“When I come here, I’m no longer lonely because I have many friends,” said the mother of two.
Seeing others older than her remain active has inspired her.
“I never imagined that, despite my limited vision, I could still learn to paint and be independent enough to come here using public transport,” she said.
Noriza has also embraced digital tools.
“I ask ChatGPT when I don’t understand something. I’ve also learnt to use p-hailing services,” she added.
Retired engineer Govindasamy Muthen, 68, also discovered new talents after joining PAWE three years ago.
“I never knew I could draw and colour,” he said, adding that his wife, Thevika Govindren, and their children were happy to see him more cheerful now after he suffered a stroke in 2020.
He has also picked up practical skills such as massage techniques and haircutting, along with basic digital literacy.
PAWE Lembah Pantai chairman Rosita Rahim, 69, said the centre has 392 registered members, about 5% of whom are youths as young as 18.
She said there was much to be done for the elderly to help them overcome the stress they felt from not being tech-savvy and having to rely on their children.
“Many bus stops also lack railings for wheelchair users, and trains do not have dedicated coaches for seniors. It would be nice to have something like a green coach for the elderly, similar to the pink coach for women,” she said.
She stressed the need for support across generations to promote lifelong learning among the elderly.
Regular communication is equally important, she said, to prevent depression that could lead to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
PAWE Lembah Pantai operates from 9am to 3pm, Mondays to Fridays.
Those interested in joining must be independent, able to care for themselves, and free from infectious diseases.
