by Dr Rahim Said
Malaysia’s new 2026–2030 Senior Citizens Action Plan reminds us that ageing is not a burden but a blessing. Senior citizens are living books — filled with lessons, stories, and wisdom waiting to be shared.
Perhaps it’s time to create a “Human Library” where young people can “borrow” retirees for a day to exchange ideas and life experiences.
Digital platforms like Weekly Echo can help spread these good vibes and keep the spirit of ageing alive.
The government’s launch of the 2026–2030 Senior Citizens Action Plan is both timely and visionary. With Malaysians living longer than ever — from an average of 63 years in the 1970s to 76 today — the question is no longer how long we live, but how well we live those bonus years.
Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, aptly described senior citizens as valuable national assets — not burdens, but bridges between generations; not dependents, but contributors who continue to enrich society.
The new plan’s emphasis on better welfare systems, integrated long-term care, and greater awareness of ageing issues is commendable. But beyond policies and funding, what we truly need are programmes that restore connection, relevance, and dignity to our elders.
“Every elder is a living book waiting to be read.”
Here’s one idea worth exploring — a “Human Library for the Elderly.”
Imagine being able to “borrow” a retired teacher, doctor, or engineer for a day — not for their professional skills, but for their life stories.
A young entrepreneur could learn resilience from a retired businessman who survived the 1997 Asian financial crisis. A medical student could be inspired by an old nurse who served during the smallpox era. These conversations, simple yet profound, can bridge the gap between generations in ways no textbook or seminar ever could.
Such initiatives would not only empower senior citizens, but also educate the younger generation about humility, gratitude, and perseverance — values often lost in today’s fast-paced digital world.
As someone who has spent over five decades working with senior executives across five countries and 50 large organisations, I’ve seen how experience, when shared, can transform behaviour and perspective.
Behaviour modification, after all, is not just a theory for corporate boardrooms — it’s a tool for life. By engaging our elderly meaningfully, we can help them rediscover purpose, rebuild confidence, and remain mentally active well into their golden years.
This is where digital platforms like Weekly Echo can play a vital role — by amplifying positive stories of ageing, showcasing the wisdom of our seniors, and inspiring a nationwide conversation on purposeful living.
Weekly Echo’s reach and inclusivity make it an ideal space to spread the good vibes about growing old gracefully and living fully.
The theme of this year’s Senior Citizens Day — “Senior Citizens: The Face of Our Future” — captures this beautifully.
Ageing is not an ending; it’s a continuation. It’s the next chapter of a lifelong story, waiting to be told, heard, and honoured.
So let us give our elders not just care, but audience.
Not just recognition, but respect.
Let’s turn their life chapters into stories worth sharing — at community halls, libraries, and digital spaces — wherever a conversation can ignite understanding.
Because one day, we too will be the “books” on the shelf, waiting for a younger reader to ask:
“Tell me your story, old friend.”
And that, truly, is how a compassionate nation honours its elders — not just through policies, but through the preservation of their voices, wisdom, and humanity.