GOOD HEALTH ADDS LIFE TO YEARS

Today, 7 April, is World Health Day. The theme for this year 2012 is "Healthy Ageing" and the slogan is "Good health adds life to years".

Over the past century life expectancy has increased dramatically and the world will soon have more older people than children. Older men and women can lead full and productive lives and be a resource for their families and communities.

"For the first time in human history, the world will soon have more older people than children. The human race is ageing and we are unprepared. Unless we change the way we think and act about ageing, we will miss the opportunity to age in good health and to build a society where older people are respected and valued members of society. That is why this year the World Health Organization is dedicating it's birthday - on 7 April - World Health Day - to healthy ageing."
~ United Nations ~

(Photo: Helmut Wirz, retired pharmacist)
Jumping head first from high altitudes is 87-year old Helmut Wirz's passion. The former pharmacist discovered bungee-jumping at the age of 75. "When I’m standing up there, I feel completely calm“, he says, despite the fact that he is only secured by a rubber - band fixed to his legs. Helmut held the record as the oldest bungee jumper in the world for many years and is not planning to switch to playing chess or bowling any time soon.

(All excerpts from World Health Organization)

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DRIVEN UP THE WALL BY OUR PUBLIC BUSES

Last week I attended the roundtable discussion on "Public Transportation: Issues and Solutions" organized by the Environment Bureau of the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM). The event was well attended with representatives from OKU groups, NGOs, FORMCA, ALIRAN and TRANSIT. Well-known environmentalist Gurmit Singh was also there to present his views.

Most of the concerns were about big issues like land acquisition for the MRT project, need for better infra-structure, disabled-friendly facilities, improved inter-connectivity and environmental protection. There was also a call for better transport services in the rural areas.

As I take the bus almost on a daily basis, my grouses were mainly with the public bus system. After the meeting I decided to take some pictures around the city to lend credence to my complaints. Unless you are a frequent bus commuter, you probably have no idea what bus commuters go through on a daily basis.

Allow me to give you an idea of what a bus commuter faces every day.

As the bus moves off, you are bathed in exhaust smoke before you can even cross the road. 

Old buses like this one pollute the environment, break down frequently and are a hazard on the road.

The high step makes it a struggle for the elderly to get up the bus. And there are no bars to hold onto to lift yourself up.

Broken seats are a common sight due to heavy usage, pun intended. Seats should be of sturdier material.

Passengers often have to sit and wait in the bus for as much as 15 minutes sometimes till more people board before it moves off, never mind if it is obstructing traffic. Love the slogan on the bus.

 Another reason why bus schedules are a joke. Look closely and you will see the driver enjoying a snooze while the passengers are waiting in the bus. This makeshift dump is supposed to be the bus terminal in the up-market neighbourhood of Sri Hartamas!

Clueless at the bus stop. Nothing to inform people about bus routes and schedules.

This bus stop at MidValley, a popular mall, is so poorly designed with translucent glass for roof and seats facing away from approaching buses. As you wait there, you suffer from sun stroke and sore necks, not to mention being soaked when it rains!

KLCC bus stop - these bars are for leaning against. Try sitting and you will slip and slide to the ground!

My outing ended at night where I had to sit on the pavement to wait for my bus home. Either that or stand indefinitely till the bus finally comes. This is the bus 'terminal' for all Rapid KL buses plying the KLCC route. Unbelievable!

Queuing up to get their warga emas discount card that offers 50% off for travel on Rapid KL buses, monorail and the LRT.

So there we have it, folks, what we bus commuters go through each day, no thanks to the city planners, all of whom probably do not have to rely on public transport to get from A to B. So naturally they have no clue about the needs of the ordinary people.

About the only good thing to credit the government for is the introduction of half fares for all senior citizens aged 60 and above. This card is available only at the Pasar Seni LRT station. Bring along your identity card for verification. There's a camera there to take an instant photo for the card. You pay RM5 which will be credited to your card for your fares. You can top up the amount at any LRT station.

If we don't speak up for our rights as senior citizens now, one day when we can no longer drive, we may have to rely on public transport to get around. Why wait till then to make our grievances known?

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WELL-TAKEN CARE OF IN THE AFTER-LIFE

Photo: Straits Times

Qing Ming or All-Souls Day usually falls on the first week of April. This year it falls on 5 April. Thousands of Chinese Malaysians and Singaporeans who practise ancestral worship will observe this day by making the annual visit to the burial grounds of their dearly-departed kin. It is a mark of filial piety to pay their respects to their ancestors with prayers and offerings of food. Family members also take the opportunity to spruce up the burial area. This explains why Qing Ming is also referred to as "Tombsweeping Day".

Perhaps most fascinating of the Qing Ming rituals is the burning of papier mache offerings. Over the years, these paper mache offerings have changed in keeping with the trends. I recall decades ago witnessing the burning of this huge paper replica of a mansion. The patriach of a family supermarket in my neighbourhood had passed away at a ripe old age. His children wanted to make sure their father would live in luxury in his after life.

A papier mache mansion all ready to be burnt as an offering to the deceased.

At the time as I was watching the 'mansion' make its way up in smoke to the other world, I thought about my dad. When he passed away in 1957, I remember my grandma made sure we burnt offerings of paper money - lots of it, in silver and gold, also clothes, food and his reading glasses. She wanted to make sure my dad would be comfortable and would always have money to spend.

Today, being well-provided for takes on a new definition. It is no longer about sending necessities to the beloved deceased. The trend now is to go for paper replicas of luxury items like an iPad, LV bags, jade and gold jewelry, a BMW, and even a yacht!

I was in Chinatown a few weeks ago hoping to find that little shop which used to make paper offerings for Qing Ming. It was no longer there. Not surprising. It is a dying art, literally. In land scarce Singapore, for example, who can afford to buy a burial plot? Most people these days choose cremation over burial. It's cheaper and more convenient in many ways.

With the younger generation losing interest in the old ways, Chinese traditions and customs will soon disappear into the history books. There might come a day when Qing Ming will no longer be observed if young parents of today do not pass it down to their children.

Whether that is a sad thing or not is debatable, I suppose

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NO SLOWING DOWN FOR THESE AMAZING SENIORS

The weekend is upon us again. Here are some of my favourite Youtube entertainment videos from my blog archives to lighten and brighten up your Sundays. These elderly folks will amaze you with their high jinks and nimble fingers.



Marlow and Frances tinkering on the piano at Mayo Clinic while waiting for their appointment with the doctor. That was in 2008. That video went viral. This video below shows the couple two years later doing a small concert on the same piano. A couple that plays together and laughs together will stay happy and healthy together. No doubt about that.



Here's another elderly couple, Pete and Beulah Mae entertaining at an old folk home. Really hilarious - shows that aches and pain are not necessarily part and parcel of old age.



And there's Janey Cutler, 80, from Britain's Got Talent 2010 singing "No regrets" and getting a standing ovation from the audience and the judges, including the hard-to-please Simon Cowell.



Finally, here's 94-year old Mathilda Klein dancing with her very much younger partner. What energy! What grace! What more can I say?!

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I LOVE MY AGE!

(This post was contributed by Linda Lim. It is easy to see why she loves her age as she recounts the many blessings in her life.)

In the yesteryears it was considered taboo to ask her woman her age. Today some of my friends and I proudly declare that we are in the mid sixties. And when told that we our age belies our looks, an instant glow is seen on our faces.

And why do I love my age? Let me do a check list of my life: school days check, tertiary education check, courtship check followed by marriage check, a fulfilling career check, children all grown up and independent check, enjoying retirement..... still in the process.

As expected there were ups and downs in the journey of life but with the trials and tribulations I have become more mature and mellow with age.
I love my age because now I can indulge in activities that I like, without having to worry about a job or responsibilities of the home.

So my retired life involves for a start, golf with my buddies all retirees twice a week. We are on the course by 7 am and by 9.30 we finish the game. There is a little wager, and the loser pays for drinks and some cakes. All at affordable prices.

What is more fun is the comradeship that we share. We tell each other of the latest bargains in town, where to get the best nasi lemak, what herbal remedies to take, and so on and so forth. Our breakfast can last a long time as we spin yarns that encompass politics, husbands (a hot topic), children and sometimes just comparing ailments. We celebrate each other’s birthday with a luncheon. We take turns to treat the birthday girl, using the birthday bash as an excuse to try out the new eateries in town.

At a line dance class for senior citizens.

On another day in the week I indulge in line dancing. My brain is stretched as I remember the steps that can run to 64! Alas my teacher laments when we cannot remember the steps and patiently revises with us. I cheekily tell her that her that there is no examination in line dancing and so I am not stressed to learn all the steps. Most of us enjoy the easier dances that run up to 32 steps easy peasy we say as these dances tickle our brains. Our group members are mostly in their sixties and there is one who is in her late 70’s who puts us to shame with her memory of the steps.

Once a week I do volunteer work at a persatuan that aids and trains young adults with learning disabilities to work in the outside world. Together with the other volunteers we educate the young people aged 18-40. They are educationally below average. But that does not prevent them from learning a skill.

As a volunteer I participate in their activities, socialise with them and teach them the alphabet, numbers and etiquette. Time passes quickly as I mingle with them. It is a joy to come and help and when the trainees improve in leaps and bounds that itself is a reward.

I love my age because only now can I afford to pamper myself with facials (to iron away the wrinkles), a massage or two (for the old bones), a manicure/pedicure (a vain attempt to look better), better health supplements (to live healthy), and most of all now that the children are all independent to use our savings to go for holidays. So my husband and I have visited a few countries, gone for tours and a couple of cruises.

I also love my age because now I have grandchildren to be with. Our grandchildren live across the causeway and we visit them often. When I visit, I tutor my eldest who is 8 years old. Kay Leen tells her mother that doing work with Grandma is more fun than with mummy (a glowing testament to my teaching abilities). Ai leen the 6-year old is happy to have the grandparents play games with her - card games, junior scrabble, etc and the youngest Ai leen only 2 years old has her Kong Kong running at her beck and call.

Ai Leen and Kay Leen in 2008.

Incidentally Kong Kong does not seem to mind being manipulated by this little one. For a start in her baby language she has laid a stake on ownership and declares to one and all this is my Kong Kong and clings to him throughout our stay. The other day the lovelies lamented that our stay with them was too short. Kay Leen wanted us to stay with them “forever and ever “ and Ai Leen suggested that we give our house to the poor and move in with them. Truly one of the joys of old age is to have grandchildren and be with them.

But I digress... for what other reasons do I love my age?

Well I get 50 per cent discount on hi-tea buffets at hotels and when I travel on KTM and the komuter. In the banks and at government offices there is a special row for seniors like me aka warga emas. For some shows in town I pay only half the price.


However being my age also has its demerits. Two weeks ago I had vertigo and had to stay in bed the whole day. The cause was unknown. Now and then I get backaches, pain in the joints, an occasional frozen shoulder, sometimes a trigger finger, things which in my younger days were unheard of.

My stamina too is much to be desired. I get tired easily, and watch with envy the zest that younger people have in doing things. I am more careful when I walk taking extra care not to fall because with a fall the consequences would be disastrous.

Oftentimes I experience senior moments. Sometimes I cannot for the life of me remember where I put my reading glasses. I come to the kitchen but I cannot remember why. The other day I left my house keys hanging on the door and only realised it the next morning. I know it is part of growing old but it can be frustrating at times.

But in retrospect I have lived my life to the fullest and before my Maker calls me home, I will continue to live as well as I can. Yes I love my age.

(You might also want to check out Linda's article on "RETIRED HUSBANDS - A PAIN OR GAIN?" She gives you an insight into how most wives feel about having to share their domestic domain with their other halves 24/7.)

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WHAT MAKES AN AGE-FRIENDLY CITY?

Slide from Dr John Beard's presentation on "Age-Friendly Cities" at the recent World Congress on Healthy Ageing held in KL. Dr Beard is Director of Ageing and Life Course at WHO.

In 2007, the World Health Organization published the Global Age-Friendly Cities Guide. It was the culmination of a project based on constructive feedback from the elderly living in 33 cities in 22 countries.

With populations across the globe becoming increasingly older and more urbanized, the WHO guide makes for an excellent reference for city-planners looking to improve infrastructure and facilities for the elderly. These can range from providing more green spaces and park benches to more accessible public toilets.

I first wrote about age-friendly cities in a 2009 post. Three years on, it doesn't seem as if Kuala Lumpur is anywhere closer to being considered an age-friendly city. (You can view the check-list of essential features of age-friendly cities here.)



New York and Singapore are outstanding examples of city planning that takes into account the needs of the elderly. In 2009 the NY Mayor's office together with various city departments came out with 59 initiatives that would enhance city living for older citizens. The 136-page report should be made compulsory reading for our city-planners here in Kuala Lumpur.

Singapore: Longer crossing time

It doesn't always take billions of dollars to make a city elderly-friendly. Small thoughtful improvements can make moving around in the city so much more convenient for older people. For example, traffic lights at pedestrian crossings could be timed to allow older people ample time to cross busy roads. The lights at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre pedestrian crossing stays green for only 23 seconds! It's a mad dash across even for young people.

Our public transport system here is in desperate need of transformation. For a start, why can't buses have their numbers displayed at the back of the buses? Elderly people need not run after the bus as it is about to move off if they can see by the number that it's not the bus they want to board. Public transport officials can't even think of something so basic as this. Either they have never taken public buses before, or they have no empathy for the elderly, including their parents and grandparents.

23 seconds for the elderly to cross this busy street outside KLCC. Can they make it in time?

By the way, there is a roundtable discussion on "Public transport in Malaysia - issues and solutions" at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, KL, on 28 March from 9am to 1pm. As a frequent user of public transport, I'll be there to air some of my many grouses.

Join me?

Please read related post:

No allocation for the elderly

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PUTTING MALAYSIA ON THE WORLD MAP OF HEALTHY AGEING

The 4-day inaugural World Congress on Healthy Ageing (WCHA) has come to an end. Congratulations to the organizing committee. Who would have thought that the little-known Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society (MHAS) could pull off hosting an international conference on this scale?

WCHA Organizing Chairman and President of MHAS, Assoc Prof Nathan Vytialingam, was all smiles when delivering his welcoming address. So was Scientific Chairman Dr Wong Teck Wee who spoke at the closing ceremony. And deservedly so. The congress was a runaway success.

All we want is 48 hours of blissful sleep!

The decision to host 1WCHA was made two years ago. When I first heard about it, I thought "Wow, MHAS is ambitious!" With limited funds and manpower, how would MHAS promote the event? Without worldwide publicity, how would they get eminent academicians to speak at the congress? And without them, who would want to register? Where would the financial support come from? The event would surely leave MHAS with heavy losses. KL Convention Centre? You need deep pockets to afford a 5-star venue like KLCC.

I said a silent prayer for MHAS.

As it turned out, my fears were unfounded. With the backing of the World Health Organization as co-sponsor, and the support of an 18-member international advisory panel, the congress drew 1000 delegates from 39 countries. The line-up of speakers was just as impressive. It included faculty luminaries from top universities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand, Singapore and China.

The decision to hold WCHA at the classy Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre also paid off. Delegates were treated to a spectacular view of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and the sprawling KLCC Park as they networked over cups of tea and coffee during the breaks. Lunch was a love affair to remember, and delegates made a beeline for the banquet room come each lunch break.

And who would have thought the PM's wife, Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, would consent to deliver the keynote address and officially declare open the Congress.

The press kit and the 216-page congress handbook (left) - testimony of the scope of the scientific programme.

Credit must be given to Dr Wong Teck Wee, Scientific Chairman of 1WCHA. The programme was meticulous in details and boasts 8 plenary sessions, 32 symposiums, 14 lectures, 26 workshops and 16 oral presentations. Delegates were definitely spoilt for choice. It was a challenge deciding which concurrent session to attend. My friends and I had to strategize so that we could cover as many sessions as possible.



Poster Competition (top); Healthy Ageing Photo Competition (centre); Banner Gallery of Plenary Sessions (above)

For me personally if there was anything that stood out right from Day 1, it was the strict adherence to the schedule. I love it that no time was wasted waiting for late-comers or for the conference halls to fill up. If there were any hiccups at all, they were minor and barely noticeable. There was little for the delegates to complain about.

True to the congress theme of Holistic Ageing, virtually every aspect of healthy ageing was covered. From early morning Laughter Yoga sessions to late afternoon Qigong workshops...

From Vegetarianism to Erectile Dysfunction....

From The Secrets of Okinawan Centenarians Longevity to Age-Friendly Cities...

From Elders as a Resource to Oncology...

In his closing speech, Dr Wong called upon the delegates "to plant the seed of healthy ageing in each and everyone of us". He also announced that MHAS would issue a consensus statement that would provide a framework for healthy ageing policies.

In case SeniorsAloud readers are wondering why I am devoting so much space to 1WCHA, it's because I am absolutely amazed that MHAS has achieved what bigger organizations have yet to do - put Malaysia on the world map of healthy ageing. I hope the buzz reaches Putrajaya.

I shall be sharing some of the insights I have gained from the congress in future blog posts.

Before we say goodbye. "See you again at World Congress on Healthy Ageing 2 in Johannesburg!"



South Africa will be the next host in 2015. There is no lack of bidders to host future WCHAs - a strong indication of the success of the inaugural WCHA held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Syabas, MHAS!

If you are interested to register as a member of Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society, you can find out more information at their website. Click here to access.

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