Harnessing the power of senior citizens

I REFER to the letter “Tough road for the elderly to traverse” (The Star, June 13). I fully agree with the writer, who has plainly laid out the problems we oldies face in today’s environment. Certainly, with better healthcare and living conditions, many of us are able to live much longer compared to our own parents and their ancestors.

But this situation is not confined to Malaysia alone. It’s a global phenomenon wherein the more advanced the country, the longer the lifespan of its people. It’s how we tackle the “new world” that we suddenly find ourselves in that befuddles many of us. How do we cope with the IT world that has taken over?

Take my own case as an example. I am 82 years of age and was deeply involved with the overall global warming/climate change business model until I threw in the towel when I turned 80. I gave up because of my age, the total collapse of the carbon market and also to care for my stroke-stricken wife.

Until then, I was doing okay and secured some lucrative contracts with a public listed company. Despite my departure from the business world, I still think that there are ample opportunities for like-minded entrepreneurs in developing biofuels, methane and carbon capture for energy generation (the solar field is too crowded already) plus other initiatives like using waste as alternative fuel.

There are more that 450 palm oil mills in Malaysia and every one of them is a major source of pollution. Hence, we see a lot of opposition to palm oil especially from the European Union.

What I have in mind is to go beyond global warming. We have a core of fully qualified professionals whose expertise is still valid and vital. We also have some very well-trained teachers in English, Maths and Science. Many of these retirees are available to us if we can access those who are still keen to teach.

For years, I have been toying with the idea of forming a corporation (I have even chosen the name “The Sunshine Club”) to organise this new work force to make their services available. Why are we talking about hiring foreign English language teachers when we have some available locally who retired before their time?

In the hospitality sector, we frequently hear restaurant owners/operators moaning about the lack of imported labour. Why don’t they employ some of those who are not well qualified? Waiting on tables is neither demeaning nor shameful.

We have to live with the times. If we just roll over and play dead, then its nobody’s fault but our own.

J. TOH

Kuala Lumpur