3 kinds of independence key to happy ageing

The following letter by Mr. Murali Sharma to the Forum of the Straits Times was published on 16 June 2008. I find that this letter is worth sharing.

I REFER to last Friday's article, 'Longer lives, but ill health in last decade'. I agree wholeheartedly with National University of Singapore lecturer Angelique Chan that 'the number of years an older person remains healthy needs to increase'.

One of the most important criteria for happy ageing is that one should be independent: financially, socially and physically. While financial independence may be beyond the reach of some, physical health can make up for some of the financial lack.

A person who is healthy will require fewer major medical treatments, thus reducing the demands on his pocket. But one cannot rule out illnesses that will incapacitate a person and make him housebound for a while.

When a person falls ill for a short while, he may get the sympathy of his family, who will be happy to help him. But if he is immobile for a long time, and they have to foot his medical bills, family relations and unity may be strained. So it is important for all of us to keep healthy from a young age.

Old-age disability does not happen suddenly. It is the cumulative result of years of body abuse in which a person leads an unhealthy lifestyle.

It is also terrible to be alone in old age, with no family or friends. So it is important to build up support groups of friends. They are often available through religious organisations, community centres and other social groups. A person needs to be active in building up his social circle from young.

There is no substitute to leading a healthy life throughout one's life. This can be done through exercise, healthy eating, remaining connected and taking an interest in what is going on in the world. One must remain relevant to one's community or else see one's social circle shrinking.

Such a healthy life would go a long way in ensuring that the olden years are golden - to be enjoyed and not suffered.

Writer: Murali Sharma