Perak: In an effort to reshape public perceptions of retirement, today’s ‘MyWellFair: Supporting Mental Well-being Together – Rewirement Not Retirement’ event highlighted a ‘rewirement’ approach aimed at empowering senior citizens to stay active and continue contributing to society even after leaving the workforce. Chairman of the Safe Community Alliance Organisation, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, said the approach focuses on shifting the mindset that retirement should not limit senior citizens’ ability to remain engaged or useful to the community.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lee emphasized the value of the accumulated experience of senior citizens, encouraging them to share their knowledge with the community, especially the younger generation. He conveyed this message during the programme, which was attended by various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and provided opportunities for senior citizens to interact, participate in community activities, and offer their services to those in need.

Lee, who will soon turn 80, exemplifies the idea that age is no barrier to continued service. He shared his own journey, stating, ‘Although some may consider me old, I still have the interest and enthusiasm to serve the community.’ He noted that his initiative to establish the Safe Community Alliance Organisation was driven by the extensive experience he gained at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which he believes can bring meaningful benefits to those in need.

Meanwhile, Cheah Tuck Wing, founding president of the Third Age Media Association, addressed the challenges of conventional retirement, which often lead to loss of identity, social isolation, and declining mental health. ‘According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, the prevalence of mental health problems among adults in Malaysia has risen to 29.2 per cent, nearly three in 10 Malaysians. While this affects all age groups, the impact is especially significant for older persons,’ he said.

Cheah, who also chairs the Malaysian Coalition on Ageing (MCOA), advocated for the concept of rewirement, encouraging senior citizens to channel their skills, knowledge, and time into meaningful activities such as mentoring, volunteering, and community engagement, rather than withdrawing from society.