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14 Oct 2024
10 Min Read
Taylor's Impact Lab (Active Ageing)
A total of 224 participants celebrated the journey of ageing in a day filled with informative health talks, mesmerising cultural dances, and various interactive booth activities at the Active Ageing Impact Lab’s largest annual event, the Active Ageing Festival.
“By 2050, Malaysia will already be considered an ageing population with most of our population being above 60 years. So learning how to age gracefully is very, very important – but it’s not anti-ageing. We want to emphasise a holistic approach targeting mental and physical well-being],” said Dr Mugil, in a message to the public as the Event Chairperson for the Active Ageing Festival 2024 and a Senior Lecturer at the School of Medicine, Taylor’s University.
Eager participants register in front of The Grand Hall at Taylor’s University, assisted by volunteers and students
Fun card games and bean bag throwing games
With the theme 'Timeless Ties', this celebration transcended age, culture, and communities, breaking down the invisible barriers of ageism*. The Active Ageing Festival highlighted the importance of staying active, engaged, and connected – physically, mentally, and emotionally – encouraging us to embrace the golden years with enthusiasm and purpose.
*Ageism is prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of a person's age.
The Opening Ceremony for Active Ageing Festival 2024
Pictured from Left to Right Ms Syarifah Farahdiana Nuraini (Representative from KPJ Sentosa KL) , Associate Prof Chong Wei Ying (Director, Active Ageing Impact Lab, School of Management and Marketing, Taylor’s Business School), Professor Dr P.T Thomas (Executive Dean, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences), Mr Chan Kien Fatt (Chairman, PAWE Damansara Jaya), Professor Dr Barry Winn (Vice-Chancellor and President of Taylor’s University), Mr Kent Sim (Representative from 48 Production) and Ms Ang Siew Gaik (Representative from Allianz)
To encourage mental engagement, students organised a variety of interactive game booths designed specifically for senior citizens to enjoy throughout the event.
Fun booth games open to all participants
Scrabble games and bean bag tossing fun for all
Retirement scheme exhibition booth
In addition to the engaging booths, the festival showcased cultural performances, including a captivating Malay dance led by Ms Koo Soo Ming. Her efforts not only keep the beauty of traditional Malay dance alive but also contribute to the well-being of senior citizens.
Eye-catching Malay dance performances choreographed by Ms Koo Soo Ming
Ms Koo’s students in a group picture
Her weekly classes, conducted under Taylor University’s Active Ageing Lab for individuals aged 50 and above, offer seniors a way to stay physically active, mentally engaged, and deeply connected to traditional culture. Ms Koo's dedication promotes a fulfilling, active lifestyle that leaves a lasting impact on her students and the broader community by keeping the heritage of Malay dance alive.
Cultural flash mob dance
After the inspiring cultural dance performance, the festivities continued with a lively flash mob, inviting participants to join in the fun. The spontaneous, joyful atmosphere encouraged people of all ages to come together, fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity.
Free health check-ups upon registration by Assunta and KPJ Sentral
In addition, attendees were offered free health check-ups and consultations, allowing seniors to gain valuable insights into their overall well-being.
The festival also featured educational workshops aimed at empowering seniors with vital healthcare information. One health talk featured Dr Lee Chung Wah who educated attendees on the various types of dementia and key warning signs to help attendees better understand the condition.
Dr Lee Chung Wah, Senior Lecturer (Psychiatry), School of Medicine, Taylor’s University
This was followed by an introduction to Advance Care Planning (ACP) by Dr Liew Kien Yeu who highlighted the significance of communicating one’s healthcare preferences: for medical treatments, interventions, and end-of-life care with loved ones and healthcare professionals. By taking these proactive steps, seniors can ensure their wishes are honoured and also ease the burden on family members during critical times.
Informative Advance Care Planning (ACP) workshop led by Dr Liew Kien Yeu, Palliative Care and Internal Medicine Specialist, Hospital Ampang
With a diverse range of speakers from different backgrounds, the Human Library provided the seniors with a platform to share their unique and thought-provoking life stories with students. It featured three distinguished elderly speakers, each sharing their unique life experiences in different languages to inspire students.
Ms Siti Rohana (Left) and Ms Karen Lau (Right) sharing their experiences with the students (Photo credits: Dr Josie Ong Ai Ling, Chair of the Human Library Project)
Ms Karen Lau May Kuen, 60, with a background in Early Childhood Education, spoke in English about her journey as a cancer survivor and the path to recovery. In Mandarin, Ms Wong Sok Kam, 59, from the Kasih Hospice Foundation, shared meaningful stories about her work as a hospice volunteer. Lastly, Pn Siti Rohana Binti Abdul Majid, 59, a retired educator, spoke in Bahasa Malaysia, reflecting on her journey as a PhD student in her talk titled “Bicara Hati Seorang Musafir” (A Traveller’s Heartfelt Thoughts).
Students and speakers' group photo (Photo credit: Dr Josie Ong Ai Ling)
The Senior Citizens Club Subang Jaya (SCCSJ) is a vibrant organisation dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors within Subang Jaya. Founded on 8th August 1997 and managed by a volunteer board of 17 members, SCCSJ serves over 1,300 members (aged 50 and above). They offer a wide range of activities at their premises, including ukulele, Chinese calligraphy, brush painting, choir, various dance forms, yoga, and language classes.
A captivating showcase of strength and grace by members of SCCSJ
“To me,I found that there was a lot of good effort put into the event. The ones which I found very interesting were the Advance Care Planning (ACP) workshop, the counselling for people who are diabetic, and also the origami making!” said Molly, the Treasurer at SCCSJ when asked about her thoughts regarding the festival.
Origami-making booth sessions popular among citizens
“In particular, Assunta’s assistance in giving free Hellenic care and homecare to patients with stroke is very good. This event brings good value to participants, especially for senior citizens,” said the President of SCCSJ, Mr Oon Woo Ming.
Group picture of Executive Committee from SCCSJ
Group picture of seniors from DJSCA (Damansara Jaya Senior Citizen Association)
Events like the Active Ageing Festival, along with other initiatives by Taylor’s Active Ageing Impact Lab, promote independent and purposeful living for seniors. It is a welcome reminder that ageing is not a decline but a journey rich with opportunities to learn, connect, and thrive. There is beauty in ageing, especially when embraced with grace. Communities must continue to cherish and support older adults, providing them with the resources to grow and develop, so we can all learn from one another, from one generation to the next.
