Ageing and longevity

The First World Congress on Healthy Ageing was held recently in Kuala Lumpur recently. As a senior citizen, I read the proceedings with much enthusiasm. Ageing is a physical phenomenon and is something that inevitable for human beings. Greying, wrinkles and loosening of body muscles are part and parcel of old age. 

As stressed in the Congress, it is important that ageing is a healthy one. I think healthy doesn’t mean physically fit and able to do workouts in gyms and the sort. It means free for any serious ailments and possessing a healthy mind. Besides, one should have a positive attitude towards life.

I believe one formula for healthy ageing is keeping oneself active, both physically and mentally.  Retirement doesn’t mean that we are at the end of our journey. It is just a mind set.  We have many senior citizens in our midst living happily enjoying the life as it is. I think this is healthy ageing.  Our former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad and Royal Professor Ungku Aziz are classic examples. Although in their 80’s and 90’s, both are still ageing healthily.

As long as senior citizens are engaging in some of activity, I strongly believe he or she can live healthily although ageing. Studies show that an active mind keeps diseases and aliments at bay. There are many ways keeping one active mentally. Involving in NGO’s, social, spiritual activities and also perhaps doing some yoga and brisk walking should suffice for a healthy ageing among senior citizens. Healthy diet, being a teetotaller and adopting a healthy lifestyle are other ways to ensure healthy ageing. 

In this context, we truly appreciate the government’s decision to extend the retirement age to 60 years. It is indeed a good move to keep the ageing population active, at least physically and mentally until 60.  Let us all, including me a retiree, look forward ageing as a phenomenon and not an alarming factor, but rather a part of life. We should learn to take life as it, as many are doing it nowadays. Ageing should not be feared but faced with optimism and hopefulness.