HEALTH TALK ON 'THE MYTH OF AGEING'

(The text below is adapted from Friends to Mankind website)

Ageing is inevitable, but, ageing gracefully is a choice.

By year 2030, Malaysia will become an aged-nation with 15% being elderly. 75% of Malaysians do not exercise. This means that we will have a larger population of older persons who are unhealthy. It will inevitably impact the nation as a whole - its economy, expenditure on healthcare services and management of poverty levels.

Choice - a simple solution that is waiting to be made. We experience life based on the choices we make. One can either splurge on products and quick-fixes to fight anti-ageing or simply decide to give instructions to our bodies by regaining personal mastery over oneself.

‘The Myth of Ageing’ is an invitation to do this and to get busy living life totally.

In the wake of this, Friends to Mankind is organising ‘The Myth of Ageing’ health talk to transform the view of ageing amongst Malaysians. It is an insightful event that awakens the power of choice in individuals - to age gracefully. It is an action to move from being unconscious about one’s health, to being aware and consciously participate in ageing gracefully.

Dr Rico Ricketts, a 70-year old consultant and coach on wellness and ageing from Canada, is a walking testament of how ageing is a myth. He says, "I see how devastating it can be when the body is not vital and well; and being unwell impacts families, villages, communities and nations. There is an amazing opportunity to make a contribution at a national level, starting with the individual taking personal responsibility."

He will be speaking on the key elements that contribute to ageing, the exploding myths that contribute to common diseases and the fundamentals of managing a healthy lifestyle. His talk will give insights on how it is more than merely nutrition and eating patterns, but a state of empowering oneself that can break the myth of ageing.

He affirms that, "I think there is a way that one can age gracefully and that guarantees one’s quality of life." "People are not thinking about ageing – it is not on their agenda. The body only grabs your attention when you are sick."

Consultant Geriatrician Dr Rajbans Singh, who is also President of the Malaysian Wellness Society, will be speaking on 'The 10 Points of Healthy Ageing' at the same event.

Date: Saturday 19 January 2013
Time: 9.30am to 1.00pm
Venue: Tropicana Medical Centre, Kota Damansara
Admission: Free

For more information, kindly contact Agnes at 019-3829328 or Uma at 012-3346320.

MEDICAL YOGA WORKSHOP

JOIN THE GREEN WALK

ARTIVISM: BUILDING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES AND NETWORKS

Venue: PSCAP Studio, 8C, Jalan Panggung, off Jalan Sultan (near Pasar Seni LRT Station)

"Artivism: Building Sustainable Communities and Networks" Public Talk

RakanKL and Petaling Street Community Arts Project (PSCAP) would like to invite everyone to this public dialogue: "Artivism: Building Community and Networks" this coming SUNDAY NOV 11.

Presenters include: representatives from local arts and urban advocacy organisations such as Rumah Air Panas (RAP), Urbanify, Sasaran Art Association etc. Visiting members of the Japan-based Asahi Arts Festival and The Japan Foundation, KL will be there.

This first-ever gathering aims to foster greater understanding and communication amongst the various civil society presenters and the public. We hope to highlight civil society efforts towards building sustainable communities through various creative projects.

We believe that this gathering is important and historic for several reasons. Communities in KL and urban Malaysia – like others around the world – are severely under threat by unregulated development and urbanization pressures. This dialogue aims to raise awareness on the larger question of how we all can find a right balance between the state's and private capital's claim to development versus a community's right to a sustainable and harmonious environment.

Presenters have 10-15 minutes to share their visions for sustainable communities as well as actions and projects initiated to promote these goals, along with concerns and issues faced.

Open Q&A session after.

Participating organisations will also sell merchandise at booths to raise funds for their activities.

Dialogue will be conducted in English & Chinese, supplemented with English & Japanese translations.

Event is free and open to the public.

Your participation and presence at this event is greatly appreciated！

MEET THE UBAH DREAM MACHINE

NATIONAL FORUM ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

SENIORSALOUD is co-sponsoring this event.

Is our public transport system all about making profits or serving people? Do you have grouses to air? Whether you drive or commute, this forum is for you. Free admission. Lunch provided. 

For more details and to ensure a seat, please register for this workshop, simply contact Lily at 012-3068291 or email  seniorsaloud@gmail.com. 

You can download a draft copy of the National Land Transport Master Plan here.

HOW TO BE A PROFESSIONAL EMCEE

Open to non-Toastmasters for RM80. Not only will participants be learning from one of the top emcees in Malaysia, they will also receive a 100-page manual that they can refer to on how to be a professional emcee. Registration fee also includes lunch and tea breaks. Now that is value for money.

To register for this workshop, simply contact Lily at 012-3068291 or email 

seniorsaloud@gmail.com

ADRF OUTREACH PROGRAM TO MONGOLIA - INTERESTED?

BE INFORMED, BE READY FOR THE 13TH GENERAL ELECTIONS

Specially organized for Seniorsaloud community. Invite your family and friends. Open to all ages above 18. Be an informed voter, so that you can cast your vote wisely in the coming 13th General Elections. A NON-PARTISAN talk for those who care about the future of our country. Speaker is PY Wong from Tindak Malaysia.

FREE TALK ON HEALTH AND RETIREMENT

RETIREMENT LIVING: WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?

Scroll down for programme and map.

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The Speakers:

Raphael Yap is the Managing Director of Gracious Homes, a cooperative of retired professionals and corporate executives set up with the aim of creating a comprehensive total-care retirement resort for discerning older people so that they can retire and age with grace and dignity.

Raphael holds a Bachelor of Architecture and an MBA from the University of New South Wales, Australia. He has been with Land Lease in Australia and Malaysia for over 12 years rising from project manager and consultant to company director.

Raphael will be speaking on a subject close to his heart - retirement community living. He is confident this will be the trend as people become more selective about where they want to live when they retire. His mission is to develop Malaysia's first socially and environmentally sustainable retirement resort community, where its residents will enjoy the comfort and security of aging-in-place amidst a supportive community of peers.

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Retirement and Aged Care Consultant, Fong Muntoh, has over 25 years of experience in the care and hospitality industry. He graduated from the UK with an MBA and was formerly the Director of Business and Human Resource for Integrated Healthcare Management Sdn Bhd, a leading healthcare management group.

His portfolio includes managing two premier nursing homes, outsource and emergency call centre, claims investigation unit, will writing unit and also a team of distributors marketing check-up programmes for corporate clients and individuals.

Muntoh is a strong advocate of planning early for one's retirement. He will direct participants to important issues such as “Where shall I live? What should I look for in a home? How much money would I need?” These are just a few questions that Muntoh will be discussing in his talk. He promises to be candid with his answers, so participants can expect a lively, interactive, no-holds-barred session with Muntoh.

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Lily Fu is the founder of community blog SeniorsAloud, Malaysia's premier online platform for older adults. She holds a Masters in TESL from Universiti Malaya as well as teaching qualifications from the UK. Recently retired from Wawasan Open University, Lily now devotes her time and energy to helping the 50plus live their retirement years with a sense of purpose and fulfillment through active involvement in community service and life-long learning.

She is also a motivational speaker and a prolific writer-researcher on seniors-related issues. Her views on senior living are often sought after by the media and NGOs. She is an avid supporter of healthy and active ageing.

Lily has been caring for her mother since 2006. She understands the anxiety many people have about leaving their elderly parent alone at home most of the day. In her talk, she will be sharing practical tips on how to make the home safe and comfortable for the family, in particular, for our elderly parents.

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Programme

09.00am ~ 09.15am    Registration
09.15am ~ 10.15am    "Retirement community living: Is it for you?" 
                                    - Mr Raphael Yap
10.15am ~ 10.45am    Break for refreshments
10.45am ~ 11.45am    "Choosing the right nursing home"
                                    - Mr Fong Muntoh
11.45am ~ 12.15pm    "Home Sweet Home: Making Your Home Safe and 
                                    Elder-Friendly - Ms Lily Fu
12.15pm ~ 12.45pm    Panel Discussion and Q & A
12.45pm ~ 01.00pm    Announcements and Closing

To book your seat, please sms Lily at 012-3068291 or call Choke Ling at 012-200 1929, or email seniorsaloud@gmail.com. Please provide your full name, contact number and email address for registration purposes.

There is a registration fee of RM20 payable at the door. Net proceeds go to the Tong Sim Senior Citizens Care Centre at 19E, Jalan Kerayong (Old Airport Road).

Note: Parking is available at Wisma WIM at RM3.00 per entry.

Thank you for your support.

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Map and directions to Wisma WIM

DISABILITY TRAINING WORKSHOP

GOODBYE TO OLD KUALA LUMPUR

Please come and support this special Merdeka Festival. The schedule is as follows:


Programme: 31 Aug & 1 Sept 
All activities start or end at (unless stated otherwise)
Venue: 51, Jalan Sultan.

7:30am or at your own time
Cycling tour around historical and cultural sites.
• Cyclist groups can start anywhere, touring around historical and cultural spots and taking pictures along the way before finally congregating at, 51 Jalan Sultan (at your own time)

9:30 am – 1:30pm
Urban sketch artists/artists/photographers documenting around the old city streets.
• Well-known artist Long Thien Shih and Victor Chin will brief and conduct this session. All the artworks and photographs will later be exhibited and followed by a group discussion.

9:30am – 12:00pm
History & Heritage Tour:
• A guided walking tour around the heart of Kuala Lumpur,
a rare occasion to explore and learn about its historical and
cultural sites, buildings and fragments.
Language: Chinese(Fri & Sat), English (Sat)

Heritage Sites Open House:
• An interactive sharing through photos and guided walking tour around the century-old historical and cultural sites and buildings.
Language: Chinese & English

-(Friday & Saturday) Yan Keng Benevolent Dramatic Association－Founded in 1920. One of the oldest art and cultural centres in Kuala Lumpur. Formed as a charitable organisation to raise money for charity through Chinese opera and choral singing.

-(Friday & Saturday) KL Gospel Hall －A Brethren church founded in 1889. As a pivotal education centre initiated by Mr. Too Nan, the teacher of Dr Sun Yat-Sen since 1890. Today, it continues to provide service to 20 various education and charitable bodies.

-(Saturday) Chen Shi Shu Yuan Clan Association – Founded in 1896. Served as a community base for families with the Chan, Chen, Chin, Tan ancestry. The building is one of the fine examples of Chinese temple architecture, decorated with vigorously carved figurines and wall panels depicting Chinese mythology and history.

31 Aug

12:00 – 1:00pm
A gastronomic farewell to Yook Woo Hin Restaurant.
• This well known establishment, almost 100 years old, will close for good after 31 Aug. Venue: 100A, Jalan Petaling

1:15pm – 1:45pm
Past, present & what's ahead of the community?
• Talk & Dialogue with YB Fong (MP of Bukit Bintang).

2:00pm –3:00pm
How does the local government actually work in approving development projects?
•Talk & dialogue with Mak Khuin Weng (Ex-MBPJ councillor,
Ex-Journalist with The Star newspaper and now with the on-line newspaper, The Nut Graph)
Moderator: Ngeow Chow Ying

3:00pm – 4.15pm
"A Forgotten Public History of Petaling Hill: Stadiums, Parks and Communities"
• A talk (Chinese) and tour by Lai Chee Kien PhD. (Lai is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore. Author of Building Merdeka: Independence Architecture in Kuala Lumpur, 1957-1966 (2007) among others.)
Moderator: Ngeow Chow Ying

4:30pm – 6:30pm
Film screening: Ibu Ayam (1962).
•Introduction and discussion by Amir Muhammad, author of 120 Malay Movies, an independent filmmaker, writer and a publisher of Malaysian and regional historical and cultural interest.

4:30pm – 6:30 pm
Open mic with artists, photographers, and visitors
to exchange ideas about their experiences and memories
of the city.
• Conducted by artists Long Thien Shih and Victor Chin.

8:00pm – 10:00 pm
Arts & cultural performances.
• Coordinated by Yeoh. Artists includes Yan Keng Benevolent Dramatic Association Choir Group, Rahmat Haron, Long Thien Shih, The Vanilla Boys & Girls, Drum Circle, Hassan Peter & Markiza, etc.

1 Sept 

2:00pm – 3:15pm
"A Forgotten Public History of Petaling Hill: Stadiums, Parks and Communities".
• A talk (English) and tour by Lai Chee Kien PhD.

3:30pm – 4:30pm
"Land Acquisition and Development in KL".
• A talk and dialogue (English) by Ong Kian Meng PhD, Lecturer and Political Analyst, UCSI University.

4:30pm – 6:30pm
Film screening: The Big Durian (2003).
• Introduced by the director Amir Muhammad.

4:30pm – 6:30pm
Open mic with artists, photographers, and visitors
to exchange ideas about their experiences and
memories of the city.
• Conducted by Long Thien Shih and Victor Chin.

6:30pm – 7:00pm
Closing remarks with all participants and organizers .

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Notes about the talk by Lai Chee Kien:
*Petaling Hill is located just east of the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers where early Kuala Lumpur was founded. It is also the site of three stadiums that witnessed the series of historical events that led to Independence (Merdeka) and which served to galvanise local and national communities after World War II.

These are the Chin Woo Stadium (1953), the Merdeka Stadium (1957) and the Stadium Negara (1962). Perched on top of the hill and over the last fifty over years, they have become prominent landmarks in the capital city and where countless social, cultural, institutional, recreational, and sporting events were convened. Besides these three stadiums, the Merdeka Park (1958, also Tunku Abdul Rahman Park) was located among the three stadiums to serve as a green lung and a recreational park to the city, and had been a public space since 1937. A Merdeka Clock, built to track the progress of the nation after Independence, was also located in the park until it was moved to the Lake Gardens. Collectively, the hilll with its park and stadiums had enhanced the civic and institutional nature of Petaling Hill, to the extent that it was considered the “acropolis” of Kuala Lumpur.

This talk provides a historical perspective to these developments through architectural drawings, photographs, slides and other material, and suggests the continuing importance of maintaining its civic nature.

Notes about the films:
** Ibu Ayam (1962) A rare screening of one of the first full-length movies shot entirely in Kuala Lumpur. A girl tries to escape the clutches of a brothel that she grew up in, but will she succeed? Directed by Salleh Ghani and starring Salmah Ahmad, Mustapha Maarof & Mak Dara.

*** The Big Durian (2003) A playful, probing docu-drama that takes us back to the tensions of 1987 in Kuala Lumpur and asks various Malaysians: "Do you remember the time Prebet Adam ran amok?" Directed by Amir Muhammad and starring Farish A. Noor, Jo Kukathas, Rashid Salleh, Low Ngai Yuen and many more.

BRUNO GROENING LECTURES ON DIVINE HEALING

For more about Bruno Groening, please go to http://seniorsaloud.blogspot.com/2012/07/tapping-into-divine-energy-to-heal.html

Lecture Dates:

Date: Saturday 11 August, 7 pm; Sunday 12 August, 11 am, 2.00pm and 5.00pm
Venue: PMCC International Sdn Bhd, Unit 17-3A, 3rd Mile Square, 151, Jln Klang Lama, KL
To register, email gtenberg@asiamail.com

Due to overwhelming response, you are advised to go early. Registration does not guarantee you a seat if you are late.

INTER-RELIGIOUS FORUM

The forum will be moderated by Dr Amir Farid Isahak, medical specialist, qigong master and columnist with The Star newspaper. 

FREE TALK ON OSTEOPOROSIS

FREE TALK ON 'A JOURNEY TO THE SOUTH POLE'

If you are interested, please email seniorsaloud@gmail.com or sms 012-306 8291, and give your full name and contact number. The talk is organized by the Senior Citizens Club of YMCA. Free registration on a first come basis. Limited seats.

PUBLIC HEALTH CAMPAIGN AT UCSI UNIVERSITY

RETIRE HEALTHY AND HAPPY

Why do some people look forward to their retirement, while others dread it? How can we ensure we enjoy good health as we age? Is retirement a time to rekindle the romance in a marriage? How do we keep happily busy and active?

Questions, questions, questions. To help you find the answers are our guest speakers - three distinguished and highly respected professionals in the field of medicine and food chemistry. They will be sharing with us their expert knowledge on how we can enjoy great health, build close relationships and find fulfilment and purpose in our post-career years.

Associate Professor Dr Nathan Vytialingam has been a Consultant Occupational Therapist for the past 30 years. He is currently with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, and heads the Rehabilitation Unit. He has special interest in geriatric medicine and is the Coordinator for the "Healthcare for the Elderly" programme as well as co-editor of the book "Aged Care". He was the Organizing Chairman of the hugely successful 4-day '1st World Congress on Healthy Ageing' held in March 2012 in Kuala Lumpur. Dr Nathan is also the founder and President of the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society. His talk "Healthy Ageing: Ageing and Intimacy" will focus on the importance of maintaining healthy relationships for a happy retirement.

Ms Chia Joo Suan wears many hats. A food chemist with a Masters of Science from Canterbury University, New Zealand, she has worked at the Food Technology Research Centre at MARDI for 25 years and was actively involved in quality control advisory services for the food industry, especially on certification of the quality of food products manufactured locally. She also ran a fortnightly column for The Star on 'Food Safety'. She has written numerous research scientific papers and is author of three best-selling books: "What's in your foods", "You are what you eat" and "Eat well, live well". Ms Chia's passion is to share her vast knowledge on food and help spread awareness of healthy eating habits. She believes that healthy eating leads to a happy lifestyle. Ms Chia will be speaking on "Eat Well, Live Well".

Professor Emeritus Dato' Dr Khairuddin Yusof had an illustrious career spanning over 30 years as senior professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Malaya. He has served as President of the Artificial Intelligence Society of Malaysia, Special Consultant to the Ministry of Federal Territory and UNICEF, as well as Consultant to the National Family Planning Board, World Bank and WHO. He is currently a member of the UiTM academic Faculty of Medicine. He was recently appointed Professor in Traditional Chinese Medicine by Nanjing University and is Honorary President of The Chinese Academy of Medicine. His life-long pursuit is to help people live healthier lives. As a strong advocate of health and fitness, he is passionate about endurance sports such as triathlons, marathons and mountaineering. Dr Khairuddin will be sharing his personal life journey in his talk on "What makes for a happy retirement?" He welcomes participants to share their life experiences too in this interactive session.


Programme

09.00am ~ 09.15am    Registration
09.15am ~ 10.15am    "Healthy Ageing: Ageing and Intimacy" - Dr Nathan Vytialingam
10.15am ~ 10.45am    Break for refreshments
10.45am ~ 11.45am    "Eat Well, Live Well" - Ms Chia Joo Suan
11.45am ~ 12.45pm    "What Makes for a Happy Retirement?" - Dr Khairuddin Yusof
12.45pm ~ 01.00pm    Announcements and Closing

To book your seat, please sms Lily at 012-3068291 or email seniorsaloud@gmail.com. Provide your name, contact number and email address for registration purposes. Thank you.

Note: There is a registration fee of RM20 payable at the door. Net proceeds go to charity to help the elderly.


Map and directions

There is ample parking at Wisma MCA at a flat rate of RM5 per entry. Those not driving to the venue are advised to take the lrt to Ampang Park LRT Station. Wisma MCA is a 3-minute walk from the station.

SEMINAR ON "WELLNESS & HEALTHY LIVING"

ENJOY FINANCIAL PEACE OF MIND IN YOUR GOLDEN YEARS

In response to requests from members of our SeniorsAloud community, we are pleased to announce the above event specially organized in collaboration with AKPK to equip you with smart money management skills and tips on debt reduction / debt avoidance. Also learn how to budget so that your golden years are financially stress-free.

AKPK is an agency set up by Bank Negara to help individuals take control of their financial situation and gain peace of mind that comes with prudent spending habits and wise management of credit.

You can find out more about AKPK at http://www.akpk.org.my/

This is a golden opportunity to learn from the experts and raise questions you may have about money management and debt reduction.

The talk is FREE, but you must register by 15 June 2012 to ensure a seat. You can call or sms Lily at 012-3068291 or email seniorsaloud@gmail.com. Give your full name and email address so we can reserve a seat for you and update you of any changes, if any.

The venue has limited seating capacity, so do register early. See the map below on how to get to the venue.