This article first appeared on The Star (Malaysia) on 13 December 2019 (Friday). We have reproduced it for the information of those of you who missed it. Full article can be found here.

Dr Ansgar Cheng, Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics, is one of the fourteen inspiring seniors featured in a calendar that raise funds for the abandoned elderly. Produced by Seniors Aloud, an online community of senior citizens, this calendar project aims to promote active living.

“The calendars are made by seniors, about seniors and for seniors, ” says Lily Fu, a gerontologist who founded Seniors Aloud more than a decade ago.

“This is our community project to raise funds for our Grant A Wish For The Elderly initiative.

“The calendar features 12 seniors who epitomise healthy living. We have also included lots of tips on staying active and healthy, inspiring quotes and useful information for seniors, ” says Fu.

This projects also hopes to change outdated stereotypes about what old age should be like.

“Ageism is horrible. The perception that when you are older, you are no longer relevant or useful is just not acceptable. Of course, we seniors must make sure that we keep ourselves relevant and in touch with what younger people are interested in too.

“I don’t think that age should dictate what we can or cannot do. We are all growing older and many senior citizens are still able to contribute to society and workplaces. There is a space for people of all generations to work together and learn from one another, ” Andal from University of the Third Age (U3A) concludes.

Image credits: The Star / The Star Online, Malaysia