For these Ipoh seniors, friendship is part of staying active

In the community centre Halaman Suri Sejahtera Negeri Perak, senior citizens find solace and stimulation through a variety of activities. Lam Ah Liat and his wife Teoh Chei Soo, both 78 years old, spend their days colouring, crafting, and engaging in conversation. They appreciate the lively atmosphere and the chance to meet people from different backgrounds. For Lam, the friendships they form are just as important as the activities themselves.

Muhammad Tarmizi Pahat, a Felda retiree, also finds relaxation and companionship at the centre. Living nearby in Kampung Rapat Jaya, he visits to exercise and socialize. The calm and relaxed environment helps him feel at ease. The centre provides a much-needed space for social interaction during retirement, a time when people may otherwise feel isolated.

Kuldeep Kaur Mohan Singh, aged 68, discovered the centre through the Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PAWE). She participates in games, artwork, colouring, and cooking, finding it helps her feel happier and more connected. Halaman Suri Sejahtera, established with RM600,000 from the Perak state government, offers more than just recreational activities.

It provides lifelong learning, therapeutic activities, skills and entrepreneurship training, and psychosocial support. Different sections of the centre cater to diverse needs, from cognitive function and social interaction in Suri Emas to personal development and entrepreneurship in Suri Harmoni. Creative activities like drawing and colouring help seniors stay mentally engaged while enjoying a supportive social setting.

The wider goal of the centre is to promote physical, mental, and social well-being. It collaborates with various organisations, including PAWE, therapy specialists, higher education institutions, and private-sector partners, to ensure a holistic approach to senior citizen care. For Lam, Tarmizi, and Kuldeep, the centre's simple appeal lies in providing a place to go, something to do, and someone to talk to, making retirement feel less lonely.