The world of Tzu Chi September 2020 (Vol.126)

2020 • 09 28 eature Don’t admit you are old “In regards to the condition of the body, mental health or diet, irrespective of which perspective you’re looking from, the elderly who volunteered at recycling centres do benefit physically and mentally.” —Dr. Wong Teck Wee A ccording to the Malaysian Department of Statistics in 2020, 7.2% of Malaysians are over 65 years old. By 2035, those above 65 years old will exceed 15% of the population. According to the United Nations’ definition of an aging society, our country is starting to become an aging society. The President of the Malaysia Healthy Aging Society, Dr. Wong Teck Wee stated, in response to the phenomenon, that aging is inevitable but we can decide on how we age. Dr. Wong, a consultant interventional cardiologist, is also a member of Tzu Chi International Medical Association. He stated that health, wealth, time and social interaction are fundamentals for happy aging among the elderly. Health is our greatest wealth. “To maintain good health among the aged, there are three prerequisites and these are: a healthy diet, exercise and regular medical check- up. At the recycling centre, only vegetarian food is served and a vegetarian diet has been proven to be healthy. In addition, aged people, are required to move around and this simple movement constitutes a simple exercise. Basically, volunteering at recycling centres has already met two of the three prerequisites in maintaining good health.” Moreover, health and positive social interaction cannot be ignored either. Although the Ministry of Health’s data showed that the main causes of death from chronic diseases are cardiovascular diseases, pneumonia, cerebral vascular diseases, stroke and cancer, the quality of mental health is also a key indicator of healthy aging. “According to a study by an American newspaper, USA Today, elderly people who experienced loneliness have a 45% higher mortality rate. This risk is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and it’s a much more serious problem than obesity.” Dr. Wong stated that even though some elderly people do live with their families, if they are neglected by their family members, they will also feel lonely. As such, at the centre, volunteers arranged birthday parties and New Year gatherings for the elderly. Volunteers also bring the elderlies for their hospital visits and make them feel loved and cared for. When the aged feel loved, they will naturally be charged with positive energy and will not be easily affected by negativity. “From the psychological standpoint, Translated by Yew Siew Yong Photograph by Tai Fuey Tat