Book launched to share the wisdom from various disciplines on the matter of ageing.

 

“Ageing in Asia: Contemporary Trends and Policy Issues” which was recently launched is a compilation of different authors in various disciplines including economists, architects and doctors, sharing their expertise on the subject on ageing. Dr Jeremy Lim, partner, Health & Life Sciences, Asia Pacific, Oliver Wyman, a speaker during the book launch, “Ageing is a happy problem. Wonder how we can help people live long and productive lives. This [phenomenon] is unprecedented in human history. We are making it up as we go along. We are crossing the river by feeling the stones.”

The book, which has been in the works for five years, touches on various ageing topics including demography, economic development, gender and old-age economic security, epidemiology of non-communicable diseases, active and productive ageing, social-cultural aspects: family and filial support, income security, urban environment, health and healthcare, mental health, long-term care, palliative care, and technology and social innovations. It also includes information on countries such as Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Shared one of the editors, Dr Phua Kai Hong who teaches health economics at the Singapore Management University: “We tap all the different wisdoms [in the book]. We document the different disciplines on this issue and the lessons you can draw is up to you.”

Another editor, Dr Goh Lee Gan, senior consultant in the Department of Family Medicine, National University Health System, and an Associate Professor in the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, shared four key tips on ageing well including diet, exercise, weight control and stop smoking. “Do this well and you will live forever,” he said.

Liat Teng Lit who was previously the group chief executive for the Alexandra Health System for over four years, and held various positions as chief executive of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Alexandra Hospital, Changi General Hospital and Toa Payoh Hospital, said he wouldn’t want to live forever. “I wish the world is wonderful and perfect. We are human; we will live and die. I observe the good, the bad and the ugly.

“When you are physically well, you have a little more time on our hands and you can travel. You can go three months here, three months there. When you are in your mid-70s, your brain goes wonky, and you have aches and pains. Most people at that age can’t move very far. And then there is the ugly phase – when you are bedridden, with diapers and shit, and you live long. However, it is not all bleak, many will have many good years,” he shared.

 

 

** The book costs S$48. It can be purchased at major bookstores or at publisher World Scientific’s website – www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/10585.

 

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