Who should be advising senior citizens?

Photo: MATTHIAS ZOMER/Pexels

AS a 75-year-old active senior citizen, I am increasingly frustrated with the younger generation’s tendency to offer unsolicited advice on how we, the elderly, should lead our lives.

With Malaysia gradually becoming an ageing society, numerous conferences and seminars on “ageing gracefully” are being held. However, some of the speakers chosen for these events are far from appropriate.

Can 30- or 40-something academics, despite their theoretical knowledge, genuinely advise senior citizens on navigating their golden years?

While it is easy for younger speakers to suggest solutions, they often overlook the practical limitations and difficulties that come with implementing their recommendations. Unless they have personally experienced these challenges, their advice is usually based on second-hand information.

Another category of speakers whom I find inappropriate is those who head organisations that deal with issues pertaining to the elderly but do not practise what they preach. It is a farce when such figures, whether chairpersons or presidents of these organisations, are invited to speak about ageing gracefully but do not themselves embody the principles they promote.

Wouldn’t it be more beneficial if some of these speakers had first-hand experience of the ageing journey? Among the many speakers, can’t the organisers include a few role models who exemplify what it means to age well?

I’m thinking of personalities like singer DJ Dave, sportsman/athlete Mani Jegathesan and adventurer Yusuf Hashim, who, despite their age, remain excellent examples of active and inspiring senior citizens.

They could share not only their experiences but also the challenges they face in maintaining their current state of health and vitality.

The reality is that achieving an optimal state of health and well-being requires continuous effort and discipline. This is something that those who have not yet “tasted enough salt” cannot fully understand or convey.

POLA SINGH

Kuala Lumpur