FORMER beauty queen and Malaysian fashion czar Datuk Nancy Yeoh has called for more activities to promote beauty and fitness among the elderly.
As the country, particularly Penang and Perak, edges towards an aged society, Yeoh said that pageantry and fashion attire for the elderly can be examples of how to ensure the elderly age gracefully.
"We cannot run away from the fact that we are an ageing nation. We need to have activities tailored to help the old instead of them living aimlessly in retirement."
There is also a need to entice the retirees to be mobile and mentally alert to prevent them from becoming a burden to the healthcare system, she said.
Yeoh cited the experience of Penang-born Dr Merchel Lim, aged 76.
Recently, Dr Lim was crowned the winner of the Goddess International Classic, representing Australia.
Penang-born Dr Lim met and married Ian Jones, 86, before leaving for Melbourne exactly 22 years ago.
Despite making Australia her home, she returns to Penang annually.
“Though I am 76, I have always believed it is never too late to do good, especially when it comes to a humanitarian movement dedicated to children battling cancer," Yeoh quoted Lim as saying.
The oldest candidate in the competition, Dr Lim went on to win the Vantage category, proving that age is no barrier to ambition, confidence, beauty and, above all, character and purpose. - November 10, 2026.
