by A. Kadir Jasin
On August 23, Facebook reminded my friends and followers that it was my birthday – the 77th. Thank you to friends and followers for your prayers, kind wishes and encouragements.
The same goes to Al-Khwarizmi, as some may know, was the originator of algorithm. This 9th century mathematician and scientist was responsible for developing the concept of algorithm and was also credited with inventing algebra.
His full name is Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi. He was born at the end of the 8th century AD in the city of Khwarazm in Central Asia, which is known today as Khiva.
I visited Khiva, now part of Uzbekistan, while covering as a newsman on an official visit by a Malaysian dignitary in 1987. Uzbekistan was then part of the Soviet Union.
Getting old in the digital age is a mixture of boon and bane. Longevity of age gives you the advantage to experience the old and sample the new.
As a journalist, it means transitioning from the vintage dial-up analogue telephones of the 1960’s to today’s digital devices. From the manual typewriters to digital keyboards.
And navigating the generational journey from my grandparents to my parents, my own baby boomer compatriots, my children and grandchildren. Five generations in all.
Old age means health is literally a matter of life and death. It’s a blessing if you’re certified healthy. However, many ordinary “warga emas” are struggling with comorbidity, long queues and even longer waits for surgery at government health facilities.
From mainstream media reports and social media chatters, it would appear that filial piety and the respect for the old are decreasing as fast at the population of old people is increasing.
According to the United Nations, the proportion of people aged 65 and above is increasing at a faster rate than those below that age. This means that the percentage of global population aged 65 and above is expected to rise from 10% in 2022 to 16% in 2050.
Who’s going to feed and care for them? The best answer is they themselves.
Prepare for old age early. Live a healthy lifestyle, work hard and, above all, save enough for retirement.
Datuk A. Kadir Jasin is Tokoh Wartawan Negara (National Journalism Laureate)
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