SeniorsAloud

WAITING IN VAIN FOR VISITORS DURING CHINESE NEW YEAR

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:09:00 +0000

You might have seen this Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development ad in the papers over the Chinese New Year. Sure, it's just an ad but it made me think. CNY or any festivals for that matter is a time for family reunion and celebration. Unfortunately, this tradition of family get-togethers to welcome the new year is fast fading into oblivion.

These days many young Chinese see the festive holidays as an opportunity to relax at home, meet up with friends, or go off on a holiday. Those who can afford it will opt for trips abroad to China, Hong Kong, Korea or Taiwan. To them, it's such a waste of holidays and also boring to sit around in their parents' home in some small town, watching TV all day long. If not for the festive decorations and the sounds of firecrackers and lion dances, CNY would be just like any other day.

Jams like this one are common during CNY and other festivals. How many people are returning
to their hometowns, and how many are off to a holiday resort?

With each passing year, fewer adult children are making the effort to 'balik kampung' to visit their elderly parents for the CNY. The thought of getting stuck in horrendous traffic jams is enough to put them off making the trip. So elderly parents wait at home for their children who may or may not show up.

Waiting for visitors (The Sun)

At old folks home, the story is the same. The elderly sit around waiting and wondering if their children will remember to visit them this year. For many, the only visits they get are from various corporations and NGOs. These kind strangers stay for a while till all the photos have been taken and gifts distributed, then they leave, pleased with their good deed and satisfied that they have achieved their CSR objectives for the year.

It is sad that the elderly are often the hapless victims of a society that is slowly losing touch with family traditions and values. But then again, they have to accept some responsibility too. Family cohesion has to be nurtured over the years, starting when the children are still young and eager to learn. It takes effort, patience and persistence to instil family values. And above all, it takes a whole lot of love, not just implicit, but openly expressed and demonstrated through little acts of caring and sharing throughout the children's growing up years. Once firmly established, family bonds are difficult to sever, and adult children will never dream of abandoning their elderly parents.

So young parents, take note. Don't wait till you are in your sunset years and then wonder why you don't see much of your adult children anymore. Perhaps you didn't see much of them when they were growing up, when you were too busy pursuing a career or building a business. When we are strangers to our children, how can we expect care and concern from them in our old age? The two generations are family in name only. When that happens, we have only ourselves to blame.

Tossing the traditional CNY dish of yee sang (raw fish salad) at a family get-together.

MAY THE WATER DRAGON SHOWER BLESSINGS ON US IN 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:02:00 +0000

This is the year of the Dragon. Not just any dragon, but specifically the Water Dragon. From what I have read, the feng shui experts have warned of upheavals and changes that are not necessarily for the better. But isn't that what is predicted every new lunar year? Ultimately, it's up to each and every one of us to decide how we want the year to turn out on a personal level. It's in our hands whether to believe the doomsayers and be resigned to whatever lies ahead. Or to look at every setback as a lesson learned and an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser.(Pic: My grandson, Max, turns 12 this year, so that makes him our Golden Dragon Boy.)

For those who would like to know more about dragons and what they symbolize, here's a Youtube video to watch.

MOBILE DEVICES - LOVE THEM, HATE THEM, BUT YOU JUST CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT THEM

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:03:00 +0000

At one time it was the home computer that was taking up much of our leisure time. We would spend hours surfing the internet, playing online games or watching videos on Youtube. It was bad enough then, but now mobile devices are replacing the computer as the biggest thief of our time.

The iPhone and iPad have made it so easy for us to get online and get connected that we have lost touch with the real world. Face to face communication or even voice to voice communication is in danger of becoming obsolete. When family members text each other from different rooms or floors of the house rather than make the effort to walk there and talk face to face, you know quality family time is at risk in this household.

The older generation of mobile phones had limited applications, but with smart phones, there are more than enough applications to keep users happily occupied 24/7. Add the iPad, and we have a lethal combination of mobile devices guaranteed to drain the life out of the users. It is not uncommon for people to own at least two smart phones and an iPad, and carry these devices with them everywhere they go. Indeed, the iPad2 has become a status symbol of IT-chic.

The Star 20 January 2012

With wider broadband coverage, we can access the internet and log on to social media sites from almost anywhere. It's so easy to create accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Skype, Blogs, and LinkedIn, and so affordable to subscribe to online papers and magazines. Small wonder that we spend so much of our free time online.

In the urban areas, the percentages are likely to be much higher.

The worst addicts are Facebook addicts. They come from all ages. Yesterday's edition of The Star quoted a woman in her 50s who said she no longer had normal conversations with her family. She would plan her daily activities around the FB games of 'Farmville' and 'Baking Life'. "I haven't had a good night's sleep in ages as I can't log off till the wee hours of the morning."

Another addict said, "I log on to Facebook every half an hour. If I can't go on FB, I feel uneasy and can't concentrate on my work." He added that it was never that bad till he bought a smart phone.

Admit it - most of us can't live without our mobile devices. Try going for a day or two without turning on your mobile phone or computer. You'll have withdrawal symptoms, and sink into deep depression or utter boredom.

So what's the solution?

Have the will-power to set limits to your online time. Or switch back to older generic mobile devices. Or give away your iPhone and iPad, and go cold turkey.

Otherwise, say goodbye to family time, to relationships and to a life that used to be filled with real friends, activities and laughter, not virtual smiles and pokes.

HOW MUCH IS QUALITY LEADERSHIP WORTH IN DOLLARS AND CENTS?

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:29:00 +0000

Former Singapore PM Lee Kuan Yew, gives his views. From Straits Times

"Right pay will help ensure quality leaders in future," says PM Lee Hsien Loong.

In the Youtube video below, he puts forward his case in the debate on ministerial pay in Parliament two days ago. Worth listening to if you have an hour to spare. Well-reasoned and presented, and without any need to resort to threats and rhetoric.

ARE WE PREPARED FOR THE CHALLENGES OF AN AGEING POPULATION?

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:35:00 +0000

Consider these facts:

Fact 1: Everyone ages. This is indisputable.
Fact 2: Both the birth rate and the elderly mortality rate are slowing down, resulting in a net gain of older people. For the first time in history, adults aged 60 and above outnumber the young.
Conclusion: The world is ageing, and the trend is likely to be irreversable.

So what does this mean? It depends on whom you pose this question to.

To the individual, it means you must be prepared to have the financial means and good health to live an extra 20 years after you retire.

To the government, it means policies must be implemented and action taken to make the towns and cities age-friendly.

To welfare organizations and charities, it means they must expect to look after large numbers of elderly folks who may need shelter, food and counselling among others. This would be a tremendous drain on their resources.

To the corporate sector, it means they must be ready to absorb older workers as the pool of young workers may be in short supply.

The above is only a small fraction of what needs to be done to be ready for the silver tsunami.

But there's also this other side of the coin. Not all is doom and gloom as the above letter from a Straits Times reader suggests.

If you are an entrepreneur who is quick to see the huge potential in the emerging silver-haired market, you stand to reap huge profits by catering to the needs and demands of this growing segment of the population. Apply the blue ocean strategy.

According to United Nations figures, Malaysia will be an ageing country by 2035 when 15% of the population is aged 60 and above. Singapore is now the fastest ageing country in Asia, and the percentage of people above 65 will increase from the present 7% to 19% in 2030.

How prepared are we to face the challenges of an ageing population?

Click on the link for more details of the upcoming 3rd Ageing Asia Investment Forum.

BEWARE OF THE LOVE TRAP

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 03:28:00 +0000

If you are single, lonely, depressed and yearning for companionship, this video below is for you. Beware of whom you befriend online when you visit online dating or friendship sites.

Older adults, especially women in their 40s and above, please take heed. You are the main target of online scammers who will charm ('worm' is a better word) their way into your heart, and then tell you a sob story to fleece you of your money.

Don't even think about accepting requests to befriend strangers on Facebook and Skype. Getting your heart broken is one thing, but when you are also swindled of your life savings, that's a double whammy that may take you years to recover from.

So take note, and protect yourself and your money.

Related article:

FROM SPAM TO SCAM

A CENTRE LIKE NO OTHER FOR SENIORS

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 07:46:00 +0000

Photo: AUTORR

I first visited the AUTORR centre in February 2009 after reading about it in The Star. Now three years down the road, what is the latest progress on Asia's first rest and recreation centre for senior citizens?

Lin Chua (Photo: AUTORR)

A small group of us decided to make a trip there yesterday to see for ourselves. We were given a guided tour by the ever so gracious and humble Lin Chua (Yap Swee Lin), founder and chairman of the AUTORR foundation. This grand-daughter of Malaysia's last kapitan, Kapitan Yap Kwan Seng, donated four acres of prime land in Ampang to build a centre where senior citizens could come and enjoy activities specially planned for them.

AUTORR's pamphlets now carry the new logo of a pentagon representing the five elements of feng shui: metal, water, wood, fire and earth that together symbolizes balance, harmony and success in life.

What inspired this bold vision to build the Rm8m AUTORR centre?

Explains Lin, "With their children all busy with work, old folks are often left at home with nothing much to do except watch television. They feel lonely, neglected and unappreciated. This centre provides an opportunity for them to come together during the day to enjoy activities with their peers.

One of the lecture halls. Once furnished and equipped, it can be rented out for seminars and other functions.

A classroom where the elderly can learn arts and crafts and other skills.

Some of these activities include workshops and classes where the elderly can pick up new skills and knowledge. Or they can choose to simply relax and enjoy the company of their friends.

We will also be inviting young people, including orphans, to visit and spend time with the elderly here. One of our objectives is to work towards bridging the gap between the two generations by encouraging core values like filial piety and respect for the elderly."

As Lin showed us around the different buildings, I could see the many changes that have taken place since my last visit, from the beautiful landscaping of the grounds to the tasteful furnishing of the centre.

For the many friends who have been enquiring about AUTORR, and for all the kind people who have donated towards making the AUTORR centre a reality, here is a pictorial account of the centre as of 10 January 2012.

At Happy Cafe, visitors can enjoy a cup of tea as well as a panoramic view of the hills surrounding the centre.

The kitchen - equipped at a cost of RM50k, thanks to generous donors.

A cosy tea corner. The wooden benches made by the orang asli (natives) are donated. Many benches like these line the corriders providing a place for the elderly to sit and rest their feet.

The reception area.

Volunteer Tracy Wan helps to run the air-conditioned office. Note the use of the stand fan. The volunteer staff know they have to work under tight budget constraints.

The meditation cave where the elderly can retreat to for some quiet moments and solitude.

Whether it's the willows, water fountains or little figurines dotting the garden, it's all about generating serenity and positive qi. The care given to details to ensure comfort and safety truly reflects the depth and breadth of Lin's concern and love for the elderly. There are ramps everywhere for easy wheelchair access, and more than 45 toilets for the convenience of the elderly.

Top: The Lotus Lodge provides accommodation for invited guest speakers. Above: the living cum dining room at the lodge. Every single piece of furniture here, and elsewhere in the centre, is either donated or sponsored.

Top: The centrepiece of AUTORR. The silver and golden pillars (not in photo) outside the hall symbolize the elderly enjoying their golden years. Above: The cavenous hall. AUTORR is hoping for generous donors to sponsor the construction of a movable stage.

The Year of the Dragon will see the opening of the AUTORR centre to senior citizens in the Klang Valley. Once in operation, the centre will accept registration from senior citizens irrespective of their age, race or religious background. Do note, however, that AUTORR is not a daycare centre.

In the meantime, the AUTORR foundation is continuing with its efforts to raise funds for various projects. Top on the list of priorities is the urgent need to clear the clump of trees adjoining the main entrance to make way for a much-needed car park for visitors. Any volunteers or sponsors for this?

For those wishing to donate money or items, please contact Simon Gan for more details at 012-233 9836 or +603 4295 2261. Email: autorr@streamyx.com. Website: http://autorrfoundation.com/

Crossed cheques should be made payable to: AUTORR FOUNDATION. For direct credit, it's AUTORR FOUNDATION, CIMB Bank A/C No. 1427-0007982-05-8. All donations are tax-exempted.

As evident from the photos above, every ringgit donated is accounted for and put to good use. AUTORR practises strict accountability and transparency. Let us give whatever we can, whether it's our time, energy or money, to such a noble and deserving cause as AUTORR.

Click on the link below to view more photos of AUTORR.

FROM VISION TO REALITY

THERE ARE FRIENDS THAT I REMEMBER...

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:40:00 +0000

A former colleague of mine passed away two days ago. I came to know about it when I was browsing the papers this morning. There she was, in the half-page obituary, smiling exactly like she used to in the staff room all those years ago. We had lost contact a few years after she retired.

Early last month, I was informed via email of the passing of an ex-classmate. She had located me via Facebook in September 2011. We had exchanged several FB comments and had arranged to meet up when it all ended abruptly with her demise on 30 November 2011. Her FB page is still up, and my photo is still on her friends' list.

It's been more than two years since a blogger friend passed on, but his writings remain on his blog. His photo on the homepage still welcomes all his blog followers. It is as if he never left.

With almost everyone that I know using social media to connect online, we are reestablishing contact with people that we have lost touch with over the years - former classmates, colleagues, and relatives. Even lovers. It's a sad tale of touching base again with dear old friends, only to lose some of them shortly after.

Given that many of us are moving into our 70s and 80s, this is something that we will have to get used to - receiving news about old friends who have passed on.

May they rest in peace.

Related post:

Live life, love life, for who can tell when our time is up

SINGAPORE'S MILLIONAIRE MINISTERS

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 04:31:00 +0000

Figures in S$. (Source: Straits Times)

Figures in USD

Based on their salaries alone, Singapore's top civil servants are millionaires. The ministers are among the highest paid in the world. Even with the 36% cut, Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong's paycheck is four times more than that of US President Obama.

The pay review was announced last May shortly after the General Elections that saw the governing PAP party retaining power but with the lowest majority since independence in 1965.

An 8-member committee was appointed to review ministerial salaries. After seven months of deliberation, committee chairman Gerald Ee revealed the recommendations at a press conference. According to the Straits Times report, and I quote here, "The committee kept three principles in mind in determining political salaries: competitive salaries to attract people of good calibre; the ethos of public service which entails sacrifice; and a clean wage with no hidden perks."

It recommended that political salaries still be pegged to top private-sector pay, but that there be a new benchmark based on a larger pool of top earners who are Singapore citizens.

Source: Straits Times

The new salary scale will be backdated from 21 May 2011 when the new government took office. There is no official comment yet from former PM Goh Chock Tong who had called for a ministerial pay rise in 1993.

These are massive pay cuts. Would it mean a drastic drop in the lifestyle of Singapore's ministers? But aren't civil servants supposed to live frugally as a good example to the people they serve? Shouldn't they be in politics in the first place because of a desire to serve the country, and not because of high salaries and perks?

It would be interesting to see whether the new salary scale would see a smaller pool of talented leaders who are prepared to make personal and financial sacrifices for the good of the nation.

A NEW METAPHOR FOR AGE/LIFE

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:50:00 +0000

I have never been a fan of Jane Fonda (she just turned 74), but what she says in this recent TEDtalk video resonates with me. Life should not be viewed as an arch where "you are born, you peak at mid-life and decline into decrepitude". That's just the physical aspect.

As we approach our third age (some of us are already there), it's time for a new metaphor and a more inspiring one at that.

Life (or age) is a staircase. Each passing year is a step up that staircase. Along the ascent, we pick up experiences that make us wiser, stronger and more at peace with ourselves.

What lies at the top of the staircase? That would depend very much on what each of us is hoping to find, wouldn't it? And whether we have been preparing ourselves for it.

What are your thoughts on this?

THE POWER OF SMILING

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 07:18:00 +0000

A new year means a new beginning, although as someone has pointed out, the only difference between an old year and a new one is a mere second when the clock is about to strike midnight on 31 December. So what is all this gloom and depression about getting one year older, and one step closer to kicking the bucket? We are only as old as we feel.

If we look at ourselves in the mirror when we wake up on 1 January each year, and see only sagging skin and greying hair, you can bet we will be seeing more of that before the year is out. The secret is to switch our focus, to look beyond, or deep inside that reflection in the mirror. We will see that youthful, playful spirit still dwelling within all of us. Try it. I have, and I can tell you it works!

Begin each day with a SMILE at yourself in the mirror. Say 'Hi!' to that person smiling back at you. Not only does smiling make you look younger, it also brightens up the day. Then share that smile with the people you come into contact with during the day. Start with your family, then your neighbours, your colleagues, your clients, the waiter who serves you your lunch, the cashier who gives you your change, the security guard at the gate. And that nice stranger who smiles at you first.

Or would you rather wake up grouchy and whining about your aches and pains, and complaining about how the world owes you your happiness? Do you want to spend the whole day spreading misery to those around you, and looking for people to wallow in self-pity with? What an utter waste of precious time!

It's really all up to us, isn't it, how we want to live each day, each year.

HERE'S TO 2012! MAY IT BE A FABULOUS ONE!

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 04:19:00 +0000

Welcome 2012! Let's start it on an optimistic note that the year will bring changes for the better, not just for each and everyone of us, but also for the country.

SENIORSALOUD will be launching a series of community service projects aimed at equipping senior citizens with the right skills and knowledge to enjoy their retirement years to the fullest. The first project will kick off in February in Petaling Jaya. More details will be posted here in the coming weeks. So keep watching this space.

MORE SINGAPOREANS ELIGIBLE FOR SUBSIDIZED PRIMARY HEALTHCARE

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:09:00 +0000

Dr Khor explaining to one of her constituents in
Bukit Batok. (Straits Times photo)

Welcome news for those aged 40 and above from households earning S$1500 and less per head. Previously only those aged 65 and above and with a per capita monthly household income of S$800 or less were eligible for the Primary Care Partnership Scheme (PCPS). The changes to the criteria eligibility will take effect from 15 January 2012.

The Minister of State of Health Dr Amy Khor told the Straits Times yesterday there are currently 440 GP clinics and 210 dental clinics participating in the PCPS. More are expected to come on board with the rise in the number of eligible applicants.

A patient consulting a GP. (ChannelNewsAsia photo)

The scope of the PCPS has also been expanded to cover more chronic illnesses, such as dementia and bipolar disorder, in addition to diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, lipid disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, schizophrenia and depression.

The scheme, launched in 2000, now has 37,000 registered patients with an average of 2000 applicants a month. Application forms are obtainable from hospitals, polyclinics and community centres.

On a related note, ChannelNewsAsia reports that Singapore has also begun mass health screening for Singaporeans and PRs aged 60 and older. The patients' health records plus the screening results will be compiled into a database. This will enable the government to formulate more effective prevention programmes for the elderly in such areas as vision, hearing, oral health, continence, mood and physical function. The screening costs S$30, but the government will subsidize S$25. Drugs and medication, however, will not be subsidized.

Mass health screening for the elderly. (TODAY photo)

The elderly will benefit from the health screening as early symptoms of age-related health problems can be detected through the screenings. Another plus point is immediate care and consultation will be given instead of post-screening referrals and follow-up.

Despite the positive response to the PCPS, there are calls for the scheme to be open to all Singaporeans and not just to those aged 40 and above. As for the mass health screening, paying only S$5 out of pocket can still be costly for many elderly who have little or no financial resources. Why not make it free for them?

Yes, why not? Singapore is certainly rich enough to be more generous to the elderly and to those who cannot afford medical care.

(This article is based on reports from Straits Times and ChannelNewsAsia.)

WHAT'S ON YOUR MURTAUGH LIST?

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:27:00 +0000

Just the other day my four grandchildren were watching a Barney video. Barely five minutes into the video, my grandson Max, 11, announces "I'm too old to watch Barney" and promptly went off to read a book instead.

It seems like only yesterday that he enjoyed piggy-back rides with me. Soon it will be his 5-year old sister's turn to tell me "I'm too old to be cuddled, grammy!" Kids are certainly growing older faster than their grandparents!

What about us? What are we too old to do now that we have passed our 50th, 60th, 70th year milestone? What's on your Murtaugh List - the list of things you feel you are too old to do?

The name 'Murtaugh' is a reference to Roger Murtaugh, a 50-year old LAPD homicide detective played by Danny Glover in the Lethal Weapon movie series. Whenever his partner Martin Riggs, played by Mel Gibson, gets both of them in a sticky situation, Murtaugh's stock response is "I'm too old for this shit".

Murtaugh List was first mentioned in an episode of the TV series "How I Met Your Mother".

Here's a generic Murtaugh List. See how many applies to you.

I'm too old to:

use Facebook, Twitter and Skype
sing and dance all night long
celebrate my birthday
join a street protest
start dating again
wear bright colours
embark on a career change
start my own company
have a tattoo
keep my hair long

Do note, however, that despite saying he's too old for 'this shit', Murtaugh goes ahead and does all that stuff anyway, and does it well too. Just to show that we can never be too old for anything that we really, truly want to do. It's all about changing our mindset.

Maybe so, but Santa is still making the rounds every Christmas!

So go out there and pursue your dreams and goals.

Related article

Don't let your dreams die with you

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 08:47:00 +0000

My grandchildren and I wish all our dear family members, friends and the online community of Seniorsaloud a very joyous Christmas and a happy New Year! May 2012 bring all of us more love and blessings to share with others.

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM WE WANT FOR OUR GRANDCHILDREN

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:22:00 +0000

My four grandchildren are now enjoying the last week of their year-end holidays before school starts again on 3 January 2012. Having spent my entire professional life in the field of education, I take a very keen interest in what my grandchildren are learning in schools. Two of them are in Singapore schools, and the other two in private international schools in Kuala Lumpur.

My personal views of Malaysia's education policies have been posted here before. Suffice to say the national education system has been hijacked by the politicians. It will take another generation or two for Malaysia to regain its former levels of academic excellence.

Singapore schools and universities, on the other hand, have consistently been ranked among the top in the world. But frankly, there's just too much emphasis on exams and competition, leaving children with too little time to develop their full potential and creativity.

"Preparing kids for life". Photo: Smithsonian.com

British and Amercian institutions of learning have long been touted as the best in the world. But in recent years, even the US and the UK are looking to learn from Finland's hugely successful education system.

It took Finland almost 40 years of education reforms for its education system to leapfrog over that of the US and the UK. Today, Finland tops the international rankings for having one of the most innovative and successful systems of education in the world.

Teaching is a prestigious and much sought-after profession in Finland, which is not the case in Malaysia where it is the career of last resort for graduates. It is rare for academically-gifted students to end up as teachers in Malaysia. Teachers here are poorly-paid, inadequately trained and overworked, whereas in Finland teachers are highly respected and the backbone of the education system.

Click here to find out 26 amazing facts about Finland's unorthodox education system.

GETTING READY TO BE RE-EMPLOYED

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:47:00 +0000

Another ten days to the end of 2011, and more importantly, to the enforcement of the Retirement and Re-employment Act (RRA). Starting from 1 January 2012, it is mandatory for companies in Singapore to offer re-employment to workers aged 62 who are in good health and have shown good work performance.

Employers should visit the Re-employment of Older Workers Portal or the Ministry of Manpower website to be familiar with the guidelines on wages, work schedules, workplace practices, medical benefits and others.

Workers, on their part, should also find out more about their readiness for re-employment by referring to the Employee Checklist.

Mr Yuen Ah Yip, 67, was rehired as a supervisor at age 62 to mentor younger workers. With over 40 years of experience working in the machinery department of Keppel Shipyard, Yuen had no problem getting his work contract extended without any reduction in salary or employee benefits.(Photo: Straits Times)

SMEs that require financial assistance to put in place a HR system for the RRA can apply for a S$10,000 capability development grant from the Singapore Workforce Development Agency in partnership with the Tripartite Partners. For more details on eligibility criteria, please visit the Prepare Community website. Closing date for applications is 23 December 2011. You can call 6222 1249 / 6222 2461 or email enquiry@preparecommunity.com to request for an applicaion form.

In Malaysia, there is currently no similar Act governing the re-employment of older workers. Workers in the private sector have to negotiate for re-employment on their own, or look for another job when they retire at a young 55. With the average life span now raised to 76, many retirees have little choice but to seek re-employment so they can continue to be self-supporting for the next 25 years.

Here are a few tips on how to improve your chances of getting re-employed.

Update your resume. Focus on more recently obtained qualifications, work experience and achievements.
You may be competing against younger job applicants, but you have an edge over them in these areas - reliability, loyalty, experience, dedication. Make sure you emphasize these in your resume.
Keep your skills current, especially your computer skills. Attend classes if necessary to acquire new skills that would boost your job prospects.
Be prepared to accept a slightly lower starting salary and reduced employee benefits.
Your chances of negotiating for a higher salary are better if you can demonstrate your worth to the company. Explain what you can do for the company rather than what you expect the company to pay you.
If you have to attend an interview, dress smart and avoid clothes that instantly classify you as an 'aunty' or 'uncle'. The same applies to hairstyles and shoes.
Be humble and flexible. You may have a wealth of previous work experience, but show that you are willing to learn new things and to adapt to a new working environment.
Your potential employer may be much younger than you, but do not talk down to him.
Read up on the latest developments in the industry. If you want a job that much, be willing to invest time and money (on retraining and self-improvement courses) to improve your chances of getting re-employed.
Expand your job searches. The classifieds in the papers are not the only or the best source of job vacancies. Check out online employment agencies. Post your resume on Linkedin and let your friends on Facebook know that you are available for employment. Make use of social media sites to enhance your job opportunities.

Related article:

What is an older worker worth?

WHERE AGE IS TRULY JUST A NUMBER

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:31:00 +0000

Sohrab and Jinn decked in their wedding finery.

Last weekend I was in New Delhi to attend Jinn and Sohrab's wedding. Jinn is the daughter of my very close friend. The week-long pre-wedding festivities gave me an opportunity to observe and learn about the customs and rituals of a Sikh wedding, and also get to know more about the Sikh commuity.

Like Alice discovering Wonderland, I soaked up the rich cultural experience. I donned the salwar kameez, wore a bindi on my forehead, and even had mehendi done on my arms. I sampled every vegetarian dish that was served. Even when my diet wouldn't permit me to take a bite of the mutton or chicken, it didn't stop me from sampling the curry that went with the meat dishes. I found everything fascinating and whatever I didn't understand, my new Sikh friends were ever eager to enlighten me.

For many of the overseas guests, it was their first taste of Sikh cuisine.

The salad section was a hit with the older guests.

Aside from the food, the entertainment and the ceremonies all of which I thoroughly enjoyed, what impressed me most were the people, to be more specific, the older members of Sohrab's extended family of aunties and uncles. If Singapore's Council for Third Age were looking for role models for their active ageing campaigns, they would have plenty to choose from here.

Sikh women are absolutely stunning and regal in their looks and demeanor. They are the epitome of graceful ageing. The men are equally good-looking, well-built and carry themselves extremely well.

Everywhere I looked, there were men and women in their 50s, 60s and 70s who could have easily graced the covers of AARP magazine (the equivalent of Singapore's PRIME, and Malaysia's PASSAGE). The men I spoke with were charming and affable, and the women gracious and friendly. All of them were well-read and much-travelled. Many had settled in the US and Europe, and had returned to Delhi for the wedding celebrations, and for a family reunion.

Let me introduce a few of these seniors who have impressed me with their dynamism and positive outlook on life. Every one of them is an inspiration to the rest of us.

Ninu and Jitinder. "Love grows," says Ninu.

Ninu, 53, is a home-based designer of exotic jewellery. She spent her early years in Japan and now resides in LA with her husband, Jitinder, 60, and their two sons. Vivacious, articulate and fun-loving, Ninu certainly lives life to the fullest. "Don't live in the past. The past is history, the future is mystery, so make the most of the present." Good advice that we should all take to heart.

It was easy to single out Bobby Oberoi, 60. At over six feet tall, he certainly stood out among the wedding guests. "Don't take life too seriously." Although the advice didn't come from him, he could have just as well given it as he kept me in stitches with his wit and wonderful sense of humour throughout our short interview.

What he did share with me was this: "Never think of harming anyone because bad thoughts come back to you manifold. Live your life as if you have no time left, and don't put off doing what you want to do. Just do it." Advice taken, Bobby. I just wish there were more seniors back home who shared your life philosophy.

Age has not slowed down Sohrab's father, Arvinder, one bit. At 59, he is a tennis champion in the veteran category and has competed in international tournaments in the UK and Australia. He plans to compete in the US next year. Way to go, Arvinder! (Pic: Sohrab's parents, Arvinder and Pinky, looking on as the newly-weds feed each other a piece of their wedding cake.)

Then there is Manjit, 76, who used to work as a financial systems IT analyst in New York. Since retiring at age 71 she has more time to indulge in her passion - singing religious songs and enjoying Indian classical music.

I ask her what makes Sikh men and women age so well. It's the genes, diet and the environment, she tells me. Most Sikhs are vegetarians. Their diet is rich in calcium - lots of milk and yoghurt in their cooking. That probably explains why almost every senior Sikh that I saw stood tall and straight. No bent backs or knees anywhere at the garden party. No visible signs of osteoporosis as far as I could tell.

Finally, there's Jenny, 55, recently retired and, together with her Australian husband, now runs a bed-and-breakfast alpine retreat in Porepunkah, Victoria. Her advice: "Keep busy. Stay active and plan your retirement".

If I've learned anything from all these distinguished Sikh men and women, and from Jenny, it is to be reminded afresh that age is definitely just a number. Our hair may be greying, and our skin no longer taut, but we can all still remain young at heart and in spirit. Life is for living whatever the age. Don't waste it on whining and pining for lost youth.

Jinn and Sohrab with their friends and relatives from overseas.

IN SEARCH OF OLD DELHI

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:57:00 +0000

Namaste! Welcome to India. At the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

1976 - that was my first visit to New Delhi, and my first trip overseas. I was 28 then and thrilled to bits that I was finally going to visit the country of my birth - if you believe in past lives and reincarnation.

It's still fresh in my mind. The freezing cold as I stepped out of the plane at 5.00am in the Indian winter, the exotic smell of spices in the air and the exciting anticipation of the adventures that lay ahead. A whole month on my own to explore this ancient sub-continent with just a backpack of clothes. No hotel reservations, no itinerary and no friends in India. My mother thought I was absolutely insane to venture abroad alone. And of all countries to start with, why India, she asked. But why not, I replied.

Opened in 1982, the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium underwent major renovations
to meet international standards to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the
XIX Commonwealth Games in Oct 2010.

The New Delhi of 2011 is hardly recognizable to me, thanks in part to the 19th Commonwealth Games which the city hosted for the first time last October. The city underwent massive construction and renovation in preparation for the international sports event. It was an opportunity for the city to showcase India as an emerging economic power.

Taking the metro is the most efficient way to see the sprawling city. Get a tourist day pass to
save on fares and the hassle of queuing for tickets.

Looking down at the expressway near Lajpat Nagar station. The traffic gets heavier as the day progresses.

But I was more interested in seeking out Old Delhi. Was it still there beneath the veneer of modernity?

I found the answer when I revisited Chandni Chowk. The old city centre seems to have been bypassed even as development envelopes the rest of the city. After 35 years since my last visit, not much has changed for the poor and the homeless as these pictures below show. Is this a reflection of the government's failure to address urban poverty?

Rows of shops lining the streets of Chandhi Chowk. Little signs of progress and development here.

The homeless live on the sidewalks, often next to piles of uncollected garbage like the one below.

Rummaging for recyclables. Littering, spitting and even peeing in the streets are still common in the older and poorer parts of the city.

Absolute chaos on the streets as rickshaws, autos (tuk-tuk), buses, motorcycles, cars and pedestrians fight for right of way. Note the absence of lanes.

Earning an honest living: tailor, barber and bicycle repairman share work space. These guys can teach entrepreneurs a thing or two about cutting down on overhead expenses!

Is it possible to retain the old while embracing the new? Can there be a happy compromise? When it comes to urban renewal and redevelopment, Singapore has shown that it can be done without sacrificing its historical and cultural heritage.

Chinatown Singapore in the early 1900s. Source: Lee Kip Lin and National Library Board

Chinatown today attracts both locals and tourists. Source: William Cho (Flickr)

FINDING GOLD IN THE SILVER-HAIRED INDUSTRY

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:03:00 +0000

We talk about the retirement years as the sunset years. Ironically, the silver-haired industry is really a sunrise industry, with opportunities aplenty for those who can see the potential in catering to a market that is growing exponentially. From 523 million people worldwide aged 65+ in 2010, the UN estimates the number will swell to 1.5 billion by 2050. This age group has needs that remain largely uncatered for. For those with the right entrepreneurial skills and experience, and of course money to invest, why not set up a business that provides products or services aimed at the seniors market?

Here are some areas you might want to consider:

Homecare:
Similar to babysitting services. Family caregivers can engage these eldersitters on an ad hoc basis to keep an eye on their elderly parents for a few hours while they nip out to run errands or take a short break from caregiving.

Comfort Keepers is a Singapore company that provides companionship and
eldersitting services for stay-at-home older adults. (Photo: Comfort Keepers)

Food:
Set up restaurants that cater to the health conscious. Most of the fare that is served in so-called vegetarian restaurants are often deep-fried and heavy on the salt. Or provide home catering for the elderly with the focus on nutritious food cooked the healthy way. Bakeries can have a section for seniors with special dietary needs. Think of pastries that are low on sugar, gluten-free and fat-free.

Providing nutritious meals can mean using healthier alternatives like
brown rice and yoghurt, and opting for healthier cooking methods.

Fashion:
Why do fashion designers invariably assume that older folks go for aunty and uncle type clothes? Department stores churn out shapeless garments in shades of gray and beige that most active 60+ers shun like the plague. It's time for a kindred spirit to pick up the challenge and pioneer trendy fashion for this age group. Let's not forget footwear too. Comfort is top priority of course but a close second is design. None of those matronly-looking types, please.

Most departmental stores stock clothes that make older adults look frumpy and matronly.

Transport
We have school buses and shuttle buses, why not senior buses or vans that provide transport for retirees who do not have their own car or are unable to drive? For an affordable monthly fee, these buses will send the elderly to the daycare centre and back on a daily basis.

Buses or mini-vans with low steps, wide doors and ramps
for wheelchair access.

HOME RENOVATIONS
Be a specialist in making homes safe for the elderly. Think of all the thousands of homes that do not have ramps, grab bars, non-slip flooring or footlights. Elderly people are at-risk living in such homes.

Making the bathroom safe for the elderly.

The sky is the limit as to the type of SMEs we can venture into. As seniors ourselves, we have the advantage of understanding what senior consumers like us want and are willing to pay for. If you are looking for financial assistance to get started, check out what's available at SME Corporation Malaysia.

IMAGINE A WORLD THAT'S AGEING, IT ISN'T HARD TO DO

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:58:00 +0000

Note the shrinking 0-19 age group and the growing 65+ age group.
(Source: UN World Population Prospects)

Would John Lennon have imagined a world that is rapidly ageing? Given the statistics, it's not that difficult to picture a world where one in every four people is 60 and above. We can expect that to happen as early as 2050. Everyone grows old. That is a fact. With the longer life span now enjoyed by the elderly, and with young people delaying marriage and opting for smaller families, the net result is a world population that is increasingly turning gray. What are the repercussions? How prepared are countries to face the challenges posed by an ageing population?

This video posted by the International Monetary Fund gives a forewarning of the crisis ahead and offers some solutions on what can be done to reduce the adverse impact of global ageing.

Here is another video with the same urgent message. Lifestar Institute believes that the solution lies in biomedical technologies that can "retard, arrest, even reverse the damage of ageing' and at the same time 'make a big difference to the health of the elderly'.

The vision and mission as stated on Lifestar Institute website: "We are dedicated to averting the pending global ageing crisis in the pursuit of personnel, sciences and processes to develop therapies that restore knowledge and productivity. We invoke solutions to the human, social and economic burdens of our ageing population... and advocate open, informed discussion about the challenges and opportunities ahead." (Click here to read more.)

Some countries like Singapore are scrambling to get ready for the rising number of elderly people. Some are blissfully ignorant of the coming silver tsunami. Some are aware but choose to be complacent about it, preferring to give priority to other concerns.

Which category does Malaysia fall into? Which countries are most prepared to meet the challenge? And which countries are least prepared? The Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has published the Global Aging Preparedness Index (or GAP Index) that provides the first comprehensive quantitative assessment of the progress that countries worldwide are making in preparing for global aging, and particularly the old-age dependency dimension of the challenge.

You can download all 76 pages of the full report here.

Of the 20 countries covered in the Index, four are in Asia: India, China, Japan and Korea.

TONY PUA TELLS IT AS IT IS

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:10:00 +0000

MP for Petaling Jaya Utara Tony Pua must have felt vindicated. When he first drew public attention to the false labelling and inferior products sold at Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (KR1M) outlets, he was called a liar, troublemaker, and accused of politicizing the issue for personal gain.

MP Tony Pua kept the audience engrossed for almost three hours with his slides and stories
highlighting how the government (mis)spends public funds.

Last night he shared his side of the story with the audience at a dinner-lecture organized by Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM). This morning the Star ran this report:

Removing items because of incomplete labeling? Read between the lines. (Source: The Star 4 Dec 2011)

Before he started his lecture, Pua jokingly said some in the audience might want to emigrate after hearing what he had to share that evening. As he presented chart after chart, figures after figures, you could hear gasps of horror from some people in the audience. The weak of heart would have suffered cardiac arrest at the shocking revelations - the size of government debt from overspending and over-borrowing, of contingent liabilities and the extent to which the government is milking their cash cow Petronas.

Reading the numbers is like watching a horror movie. At least the movie ends after
two hours, but not our government spending spree. It is a never-ending story.

Emoluments and pensions eat up the biggest chunk of government expenditure. Not
surprising at all given the 1.3m civil servants and the perks they get without even asking.
Why is the government so eager to please them? The answer should be obvious.

Pua pointing to the percentage of Petronas' profit that is reinvested each year.
It fell from a high of 42.5% in 2005 to only 13.5% in 2010! Mama Mia!

Skeptics may pooh-pooh the numbers. But time after time as each scandal is made public in both the mainstream and alternative media, it only lends credence to what the opposition has been saying all along. The ministers and BN MPs may deny everything, but when documents and receipts are produced as evidence, how much longer can they continue to claim that every scandal as an outright lie? The gross overspending and abuse of public funds as highlighted in the Auditor-General's report year after year gets from bad to worse.

The Public Services Department director-general had to issue a warning that civil servants would be held accountable for losses highlighted in the AG's report. But don't expect much to happen. The same misuse and abuse of public funds will continue to fill the pages of next year's report, and the next and the next.

For more revelations of the truth behind government mismanagement of public funds, these two books below make for compelling reading:

(Left) Teh Chi-Chang's 106-page book presents the facts in easy to understand layman's terms with illustrations by Antares, while Pua's 335-page book is literally a thesis. Both are must-reads before the next elections.

Back cover detail from Pua's first English publication "The Tiger That Lost Its Roar".

WILL PENSIONERS IN MALAYSIA GO ON STRIKE?

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:53:00 +0000

Protesting against pension reforms in the UK. Source: The Telegraph

It happened in France, it's happening now in the UK, and it will happen here in Malaysia sooner or later. Or maybe not. Since 30 November tens of thousands of people in Britain have gone on strike to protest the government's unpopular proposals for public sector workers to contribute more towards their pension funds and also to work longer. In addition, their pension would be based on a "career average" salary, rather than the final salary as is the practice now.

Protesting against raising the retirement age in France from 60 to 62. Despite nationwide
protests, French PM Sarkozy succeeded in pushing through his retirement reforms last year.

Rallying to protect their retirement funds in the US.

With people living longer, the British government says the cost of funding public sector pensions is unsustainable, hence the need for reforms in the pension scheme. In the US, the government is caught in the same dilemma - how to support the millions of workers who retire each year? Already the first wave of baby boomers have reached the retirement age of 65 in January this year.

Rising healthcare costs and longer life span are forcing governments to seek reforms in retirement and pension schemes. Workers, of course, are not happy that they have to work longer and receive less in retirement benefits.

In Malaysia, the pension crisis is waiting to happen. With a bloated civil service of 1.3 million, and with no signs of a reduction in the numbers, the government will soon face the same predicament. Where will it find the funds to make good the pension benefits? Already the government is incurring deficits in the budget every year, despite massive loans from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) - RM79.4 billion up to June this year. That's tax-payers money we are talking about. Borrowing money from the workers to pay the workers. That's classic! According to the Auditor-General's Report 2010, for the period 2007 to September 2010, the government spent RM31.48 billion on pension payments.

Source: The Star 30 November 2011

While governments elsewhere are frantically trying to deal with the massive shortfall in pension payouts, our government is doing just the opposite. It's handing out windfall after windfall in terms of extra bonus payments, and other perks. It would be biting the hand that feeds them for pensioners here to take to the streets.

Excerpt from the PM's recent Budget Speech.

Even in the unlikely scenario that the government is forced to introduce drastic pension reforms, how will pensioners here react? Will they protest? Will the sky fall down? When the retirement age for civil servants was raised to 60 recently, it was accepted with hardly a murmur from public sector employees. Now with street protests soon to be banned under the Peaceful Assembly Bill, the government need not fear strikes or rallies by retirees and pensioners anytime soon. A smart pre-emptive move to silence voices of dissent. (See previous post.)

Related post:
It pays to be a civil servant in Malaysia.

ARE OUR VOICES NOT LOUD ENOUGH? OR IS THE PM HARD OF HEARING?

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:05:00 +0000

Does walking peacefully to support a cause we believe in constitute an illegal street protest?
'Yes!' according to the Peaceful Assembly Bill that was passed by Parliament yesterday.

It's so very disheartening to know that despite all the protests from a good cross-section of the people, Parliament has decided to pass the Peaceful Assembly Bill yesterday. This bill was introduced and bulldozed through with such lightning speed that one can't help but suspect the government wants all restrictive laws to be in place before the 13th General Elections in order to silence any voices of dissent. A preventive measure just in case?

The people haven't occupied Parliament - yet. But we can do it through our vote. Vote in the right people to speak out for us, people who will have OUR interests at heart.

There were no consultative meetings whatsoever with the people to get their feedback. And when the people offered their views regardless, the government chose to ignore them. Instead it sent out armed police forces to stop the people, and called the walk 'illegal' because the organisers did not apply for a police permit.

Above: (left) Spotted this grandma and her daughter in the crowd,

(right) a small group of orang asal also turned up to show thier support.

Last night I attended a forum at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall and came away with renewed faith in people power. Everyone of us citizens has the right to vote. Please exercise this right to choose our next government.

Hishamuddin Rais (far left) spoke about the 'procedural democracy' that the government practises. I hope somebody taped his speech and uploaded it on YouTube. The ex-ISA detainee certainly has the guts to tell it as it is. "You will never win over the kampung folks unless you speak their language which is NOT English!" he tells the mainly English-speaking audience.

Many of us don't take our voting rights seriously. Either we are indifferent or feel that our votes don't make a difference anyway, so why bother? The truth is, every vote counts in the final tally. It's like one mark in an exam paper can decide a pass or a fail grade. The same with our vote. It may decide if a candidate wins or loses, and ultimately, who forms the next government.

The crowd dispersing peacefully after the walk. Unfortunately when the Opposition MPs staged a walkout in protest during the Parliament session to debate the Bill later that evening, they were in fact giving the BN MPs the go-ahead to pass it.

The PM and the VPM at the 2011 UMNO
Assembly. Source: Bernama

The PM has already sounded the first battle call for preparedness at the UMNO assembly yesterday, and the VPM has called the coming 13th general election "the mother of all elections", a make-or-break, do-or-die for the Malays. Stirring up racial sentiments again? Using the fear tactic again?

If you feel the current government has done much for the people, and you have faith it will continue to do even more good for the rakyat in the next five years, by all means vote the same people into power again.

But if you feel the government has consistently shown a poor track record especially in spending our money, and cannot be trusted to keep their promises, then it is time to boot them out. This is your prerogative as a citizen. You have the power of your vote. Exercise it.

Click here to check your voter information.

For more photos of Walk4Freedom, please check out my FB page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/fu.lily

WALK FOR FREEDOM

noreply@blogger.com (el-f) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:43:00 +0000

See you there!