Heart And Soul: Embracing the ageing journey
Lim says ageing reminds us that tomorrow isn't promised, so tick items off your bucket list, and if there's a dear friend you've meant to visit, go. — Freepik
Do you have any real-life, heart-warming stories to share with readers? We'd love to hear from you. Please keep your story within 900 words. Photos are optional and should be in JPEG format (file size about 1MB, with caption and photo credit). There is no payment for stories, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email your story to: lifestyle@thestar.com.my with the subject "Heart and Soul".
How time flies! My other half is now officially an octogenarian, and in two years, I will join him. Statistics reveal that only 44% of people live beyond 70 to reach 80 – a sobering thought.
Last year was particularly painful: I attended the funerals of two sisters-in-law, a couple of former colleagues, and several dear friends.
I echo what many of us say at this age – we're all queueing up to meet our Maker. Our social circle has shrunk, and our activities have become more limited.
With ageing, health inevitably deteriorates. Our organs begin to wear out and degenerate. Unlike machines that can be fixed with spare parts, the human body slows down, creaking towards its final chapters.
Old age, as they say, isn't for the faint-hearted. We're prone to memory lapses – those 'senior moments' – dizziness, and mishaps around the house.
I had two nasty falls last year: one in the garden that left me with a fractured wrist in a plaster cast for two months, and another resulting in dislocated elbows and a further four months of discomfort.
Cutting vegetables with my non-dominant hand became a daily struggle. The frustration of living with limbs encased in plaster was overwhelming.
On top of that, my hearing and eyesight have weakened. The once fiercely independent version of myself now needs assistance.
Stories of friends slipping into dementia or becoming burdens to their children are unsettling.
Some elderly people end up alone in care homes, depression slowly setting in. At this age, a small mishap can alter your life entirely.
But, there are two sides to every coin. Life would be bleak if we only focused on its difficulties. So, live and let live. Erase words that darken your outlook. Don't dwell on regrets. Forgive freely. Grumpiness should be avoided at all costs.
Pamper yourself – splurge on a spa treatment, a manicure, a facial. Use the perfume or dress you've been saving for a 'special occasion' – that moment is now. Tomorrow isn't promised.
Tick items off your bucket list. If there's a dear friend you've meant to visit, go. If there are short day trips or senior excursions available, sign up and enjoy the camaraderie. Don't isolate yourself or fall into self-pity.
Volunteering can be deeply fulfilling. Help out at an orphanage or a centre for the underprivileged. Your time and presence can be more valuable than you think.
If you're blessed with grandchildren, cherish them. But be mindful – nothing irks them more than constant advice. Their world revolves around gadgets and screens – let it be.
Offer guidance sparingly, only when truly needed. You've done your bit raising your children; let their parents take the reins now.
Keep your visits joyful. My grandchildren often say, 'Chillax, Mama' – a lovely reminder to just relax and take things easy.
Each morning, if you're fortunate enough to wake up, give thanks. Make the most of the day. Whether it's reading the paper, watching television, gardening or meeting a friend – do what makes you happy. Let no one dictate how you spend your time. Eat in moderation, squeeze in a little exercise, and keep moving if your health allows.
Ultimately, you're in charge. Be the master of your daily life.
Enjoy every moment – because it truly is later than you think.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Association raises alarm over online sales of abortion pills
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) has raised the alarm over a surge in illegal sales of unlicensed abortion pills – especially misoprostol – on social media, warning of serious, potentially fatal health risks. MPS general secretary Lim Jack Shen said these pills, often purchased online without prescriptions or guidance, pose grave risks when consumed without medical supervision. 'Medications such as misoprostol are powerful pharmaceuticals intended for use under strict clinical oversight, typically in hospital settings. 'Used incorrectly, they can cause severe uterine bleeding, incomplete abortion, uterine rupture, sepsis and even death,' he told theSun. He stressed these dangers are not minor side effects but life-threatening outcomes, particularly when such drugs are taken without proper diagnosis, monitoring or follow-up care. 'This isn't just a health issue. It's a matter of life and death, especially for young women who may feel they have nowhere else to turn for reproductive healthcare.' Lim added that pharmacy enforcement officers under the Pharmacy Enforcement Division are closely monitoring platforms such as TikTok, where the illegal sale of misoprostol and other prescription-only drugs has been detected. He added that misoprostol has been officially deregistered in Malaysia since 2016, making its sale and purchase illegal regardless of platform. 'Any transaction involving misoprostol – whether on social media or elsewhere – is against the law.' He further warned that the issue extends beyond a lack of awareness, highlighting Malaysia's highly restrictive abortion laws as a contributing factor. 'Abortion is legal only under very limited circumstances, when the mother's life is at risk. With so few legal options, many women are pushed towards unsafe alternatives.' Lim urged social media companies to act more responsibly, suggesting their algorithms could be used more effectively to detect and remove illicit drug sales. Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Centre for Drug Research researcher Dr Darshan Singh said the illegal sale of misoprostol highlights a deeper issue, limited access to safe abortion and widespread public misinformation. 'Young women, especially those who are unmarried or facing financial difficulties, often turn to these pills out of sheer desperation.' Darshan highlighted Section 312 of the Penal Code, which stipulates that causing a miscarriage is punishable by up to three years in prison. Women who self-induce an abortion can face up to seven years. He also highlighted Section 315, which deals with acts intended to prevent a child from being born alive or causing its death after birth, that carries penalties of up to 10 years' imprisonment. However, abortion is permitted under Malaysian law if a registered medical practitioner, acting in good faith, believes the pregnancy poses a greater risk to the woman's life or health than terminating it as stated in the Medical Act 1971. Fellow USM researcher Dr Zurina Hassan echoed these concerns, adding that unlicensed pills may contain harmful adulterants such as steroids or incorrect dosages, significantly increasing the risk of overdose and toxic reactions. 'The purity of these black-market drugs is highly questionable. Consumers often have no idea what they're ingesting,' she warned. 'These medications should only be used under proper medical supervision.' On enforcement, Zurina acknowledged the uphill task authorities face, likening the online availability of misoprostol to the trafficking of psychoactive substances on the dark web.
The Star
19-05-2025
- The Star
Heart And Soul: The pleasure of walking for an elderly individual
Walking is a low-impact activity that enhances mobility, balance and overall strength. — Photos: ALICE SM LEE Do you have any real-life, heart-warming stories to share with readers? We'd love to hear from you. Please keep your story within 900 words. Photos are optional and should be in JPEG format (file size about 1MB, with caption and photo credit). There is no payment for stories, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email your story to: lifestyle@ with the subject "Heart and Soul". Elderly individuals are often encouraged to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, social engagement and regular exercise. Among the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise is walking. Walking is a low-impact activity that enhances mobility, balance and overall strength. My daily walk takes place in a quiet neighbourhood in Bukit Mewah, Kajang, along a hillside bordering a small forest. The forest is a peaceful haven for squirrels and monkeys. Once, a monkey swinging through the trees above scattered droplets of rainwater on me – a reminder that we share this earth with all creatures. While many prefer walking in pairs or groups, I find solitude enriching, offering me freedom from distraction, space for reflection and time to mentally plan the day. Uphill walking is particularly rewarding, engaging muscles such as the glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps. The steeper the incline, the greater the challenge, building strength and endurance. However, it demands caution – especially for older adults – due to added strain on joints. Proper warm-up and awareness of one's physical condition are essential. My routine includes a mix of slow and brisk walking, occasionally progressing to a light jog. This gentle pace improves aerobic capacity, but any new exercise should be approached with care – and ideally, professional advice. Walking in nature not only benefits physical health but also soothes the mind. The Japanese developed Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, in the 1980s as a relaxation practice centred around immersing oneself in nature. By consciously engaging the five senses – sight, sound, smell, taste and touch – while walking through natural surroundings, this method has become a recognised form of stress management. The Japanese developed Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, in the 1980s as a relaxation practice centred around immersing oneself in nature. — ALICE SM LEE A walking holiday is a wonderful way to explore a new country, offering the freedom to travel at one's own pace without rigid schedules. On foot, you can absorb the local culture, take in your surroundings, and truly experience the pulse of a place. In January 2025, I embarked on a walking holiday with my daughter through Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan), the Middle East (Qatar), and into Northeast Asia (China and Korea). We followed a simple itinerary, walking five to six hours most days, covering an average of 15km. The cities we visited were largely pedestrian-friendly, with well-maintained sidewalks and safe walking zones. However, rural areas occasionally posed challenges due to uneven ground and the absence of proper walkways. My first experience of walking in snow during our time in Central Asia proved physically demanding. Snow added resistance, requiring more effort from the legs, and layered clothing with insulated boots added extra weight. Yet the stunning beauty of snow-covered landscapes made the effort worthwhile. Whether you're seeking gentle exploration, forested hikes, or rugged treks, a walking holiday offers a blend of physical activity, relaxation and adventure. Each step becomes an act of discovery. No matter the season, walking remains a simple yet fulfilling way to travel. For me, there's joy and purpose in every stride.
The Star
16-05-2025
- The Star
Don't leave baby behind in the car!
Young children left in vehicles for long periods of time can suffer from heat stroke, and even die from it. — Graphics: Positive Parenting Every once in a while, another report of a child's death after being left behind in vehicle may appear in the news. This tragic incidence has been referred to as the Forgotten Baby Syndrome. This syndrome is defined as the phenomenon of forgetting and leaving a child in a parked vehicle. If the child is left behind in the vehicle for a long duration, especially under hot weather, it could possibly lead to heat stroke, and even death. Some people may wrongly assume that these cases only happen to bad or negligent parents or caregivers. The fact is this incident could happen to anyone, regardless of background, including you. Forgotten Baby Syndrome is usually not a case of negligence, but a memory issue due to distraction. It is typically caused by stress, sleep deprivation, change in routine or preoccupation with other issues. For example, if a parent who is not usually responsible for dropping off a child at the daycare has to do the task one day, they may not remember about the child in the back seat because it is not part of their routine to do this task. So, how can we prevent this? If you are a parent of a young child, let's practise these tips as a precaution: > Minimise distractions while driving This may be obvious, but don't text or take calls while driving! Apart from being illegal, this can also divert your attention from your child. > Place a visual cue in the front One way is by placing a toy on the dashboard when your baby is in the car, and in the child car seat when they are not in the car. You can also put a reminder sticker on the wind shield or the driver's side window. > Put your belongings in the back You can place your bag, purse or laptop in the back seat to prompt you to check the car before leaving. Make it a habit to check the back seat before locking the car, even when your child is not with you. > Position the child car seat in the centre or left of the back seat This position ensures better visibility of your child through the rear-view mirror. > Use devices, apps and technologies Many devices, such as seat sensors, alarms, cameras or GPS trackers, are now available to help alert you of your child's presence in the vehicle. Always check with your spouse to make sure that they have dropped off your child at the destination. Ask daycare/kindergarten operators to notify you if your child does not arrive on time, and in turn, you should always notify them if your child will be late or absent. Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail is a consultant paediatrician and paediatric cardiologist. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association's Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email starhealth@ The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader's own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
