KUALA LUMPUR: The older generation should remain active and continue working even after retirement, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He said the ‘third age generation’, if they do not remain active, will become weak and eventually lose interest in performing duties in their daily life.
Senior citizens, he said, should be involved in reading, writing, exercising and other activities which will keep their minds and bodies active and healthy.
“We should not retire and just fade away. If we, the elder generation, do not use our muscles and brains, we will become very weak.
“In between staying active, it is also important to think positive and do something that is enriching.
“If we do not do all of those, we will have a short life and will have to depend on others to help us,” he said.
Dr Mahathir, at 93, is the world’s oldest prime minister.
The prime minister was speaking at the Ageing, Learning and Technology: Enriching Lives, Connecting Communities Conference 2018 in conjunction with the International Day of Older Persons at Petrosains in KLCC here on Saturday.
Also present were his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Third Age Media Association president Cheah Tuck Wing and the conference’s chairman Datuk Muslim Ayob.