It’s community centres that our seniors need most

WOMEN, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri requested for feedback on the proposed Senior Citizens Bill yesterday (“Public feedback sought on Senior Citizens Bill”, Sunday Star, June 7; online at bit.ly/star_feed).

The Bill, as I understand it, is intended to strengthen the protection, welfare and rights of seni­or citizens in line with Malaysia’s ageing population.

In actual fact we need a wholesome part to the Bill that will make every suburb/housing area have a senior citizen community centre. Perhaps similar to how malls are required to incorporate a recycling centre on their premi­ses.

I don’t think seniors these days are looking for protection or rights. They are looking for community activities that will bring like-minded seniors together for – for example – singing, dancing, simple exercises, board games, arts and craft, cooking, etc, which they can enjoy together. Such activities encourage interaction. Healthy interaction brings on laughter and joy. Laughter and joy pave the way for confidence and indepen­dence, and these ultimately motivate self-care.

Is this not what the government wants? A healthier ageing society?

Adult children need to send their parents to these daycare/community centres – just like how they themselves were sent to childcare once upon a time when both parents had to work. It is the reverse scenario now.

And remember: Initially the toddlers did not like the daycare centres, but over time most came to enjoy their time there. It will be the same with seniors, I’m sure.

Currently, I know only of a few senior citizen associations run privately in some townships and a few run by NGOs in the Klang Valley.

I hope the Bill will eventually lead to government- or semi-­government-operated community centres for seniors everywhere. We can take care of our health, both body and mind, at such places. I think we need them more urgently than “protection and rights”.

JALINE WELLINGTON

Petaling Jaya