GEORGE TOWN – Penang lost an activist for seniors after Chin Sek Ham, 82, died yesterday due to complications from a heart attack.
He was a vibrant and active activist for old age living and drew his last breath at his son’s home hours after being discharged from Penang Hospital here.
A family friend said Chin was an active spokesman for the seniors’ community, even during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A former primary school teacher at St Xaviers’ Institution before retiring, Chin went on to cofound the Society of Active Generation of Elders (SAGE), which was involved in many activities that kept seniors active for the past 20 years.
His death came amid a debate in the Penang assembly as lawmakers debate how the state should cope once it becomes an aging state by 2047.
Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao Leung told the assembly that ensuring seniors have food and accommodation is inadequate.
“We need to improve the quality of life for the older generation, especially those who are struggling with income loss and family abandonment.”
Gooi has proposed that homes for the elderly be improved while the state provides support for caregivers. – The Vibes, June 1, 2022
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