Postgraduate student Chin Hui Sian (left) providing mental health assessment for the community in Kuantan.
MORE than 100 people of different ages gathered for the ‘Let’s Have Fun’ programme to celebrate healthy ageing and connection.
Held at Tadika Aspira Pelindung Heights in Kuantan, Pahang, the programme organised by Pertubahan Komuniti Harap Kuantan (Harap) aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of social isolation and inactivity among senior citizens.
Participants were encouraged to paint batik, sing songs, play games and exercise together.
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan postgraduate student Amirah Alaydrus said, “This kind of social activity can improve the quality of life for elderly people and reduce their loneliness.”
Amirah who specialises in dementia education said research showed that the elderly who maintain relationships and engage in meaningful activities are less vulnerable to depression and death.
Ong leading a qigong session at the courtyard.
During the programme, a batik craft table managed by local Kuantan artist Zulkifli Salleh showed that participants of various ages could have fun together by creating batik images of elephants, hornbills and tigers.
Local artist and musician Rizal Omar encouraged the participants to add flowers, butterflies, and grass to the mural crafted to commemorate the event.
An art therapy project led by students from IIUM’s Nursing Faculty was also held.
The students encouraged elderly participants to talk about their life in Kuantan, loneliness and ageing.
Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing postgraduate student Matthew Kuiper said: “Events like these are good opportunities to advocate for a better understanding of the ageing process.
“Let’s take the fear out of ageing and continue to show that ageing doesn’t have to result in loss, confusion and loneliness.”
The event culminated with tai chi master Ong Kah Yong leading a calming qigong session for 40 people at Tadika Aspira’s courtyard.
Kuiper said, “The event allowed the young and old to create art, play and sing together.
“These activities were a fun way to educate people and help correct unhelpful stigmas and biases against ageing.
“Dr Ayuni from IIUM also told everyone here a particularly touching story. She talked about caring for her grandfather as he experienced dementia.
“This personal narrative added depth and emotional resonance to the event.
“Her story highlighted the challenges faced by older individuals and their families.”
He said the Harap team hoped to continue building on the success of this project.
More health sessions will be organised and art classes for senior citizens will be offered at the centre.
