LETTERS: The nation is entering a phase where baby boomers, those born between 1946 to 1964, are entering their sunset years, faced with physical, social and financial challenges, among others.
In the aftermath of World War Two, they were engrossed in making a simple living by having a roof over their heads and sending the children to school. They hoped to have a better life in this nation which has recently celebrated its 67th Merdeka.
Slowly but surely, they are passing the baton to Gen X, the Millennials and Gen Z to continue accelerating this nation's wellbeing.
In this respect, it is time to repay our senior citizens in a small way by seriously addressing some of their pressing concerns and needs.
Among those concerns are financial insecurity, mental and physical health, especially non-communicable diseases which have taken many lives whose health was left unchecked until it was too late to address them.
Other concerns such as loneliness, depression and social isolation with no means or outlets to express themselves led many senior citizens to experience mental health issues, a silent killer today.
Undeniably, the fear of ageism and uselessness has plagued and consumed the minds of our ageing generation, especially those ill prepared to face the world upon retirement.
Many have exhausted their life savings, especially those in the private sector, when they have to finance their children's education, pay for their medical expenses and mental wellbeing.
Driven penniless, some resorted to begging. Those ashamed to seek help would suffer in silence.
While the government is addressing some of these pressing concerns, the nation is seriously lacking social support groups or networks that can help these individuals. Or, if there are such groups, they were not made known to them.
In short, we need to reach out to these individuals across the nation, starting with our elected State Members of an assembly and Members of Parliament.
Perhaps, a better allocation can be set aside for the senior citizens' welfare and wellbeing in the coming budget.
On their part, senior citizens ought to get out of their armchair comfort zone and start to mingle with society for meaningful interaction and fellowship, exchange of ideas or to go for trips or excursions, if at all possible.
I am in my 70s, and at this age I participate on a monthly basis in at least one 21km half-marathon within the cut-off time, studying for a Master's and another a Doctoral degree and lecturing as well.
While physically I am not at my best, I am making the best of who and what I am. That is, to live a healthy, meaningful lifestyle, believing God has the best installed for me.
I believe that other senior citizens can do the same.
DR TAN ENG BEE
Mental Health Coach
Kajang, Selangor