By Deacon Dr Leslie Petrus
JOHOR BAHRU – In recognition of Malaysia’s status as a rapidly ageing nation and in conjunction with the Church’s July focus on the elderly and grandparents, the Diocesan Family, Laity & Life Ministry of the Diocese of Malacca Johore organised a virtual conversation titled Ageing with Grace on Jul 13.
Hosted by Andrew Chew of the Diocesan Family Life Ministry, the session brought together three expert speakers who offered insightful perspectives on ageing as a journey of transformation, wellness, and meaning.
Gerontologist and dementia advocate Dr Cecilia Chan, who has over 20 years of experience in elderly care, highlighted the remarkable reality that people are now living longer, with some families spanning four to five generations. While ageing is often framed as a period of decline, she encouraged a shift in mindset — to see ageing as a time of growing in wisdom, authenticity, and acceptance.
“The happiest groups in surveys are the young and the elderly. The middle years are often the most challenging,” she said. “Ageing can be a spiritual teacher — it invites us to embrace impermanence, to forgive our past, and to come home to our truest selves. We are not merely the sum of our accomplishments or regrets.”
She stressed that ageing can bring profound gifts such as freedom from comparison, clarity of values, deeper relationships, and greater appreciation of the present moment. Even amid physical and cognitive changes, the human spirit continues its search for meaning.
Dr Fabian Sunil Dass, psychiatrist and senior lecturer at Monash University Malaysia, echoed these sentiments, adding that ageing is an opportunity to grow in self-love and mindful living. “It’s a time to care for your body — this temple that’s evolving every day,” he said.
Drawing from research, Dr Fabian noted that nearly 40 per cent of diseases can be prevented by addressing lifestyle factors. “A good diet, physical activity, social connection, continued learning, and mental wellbeing — these are all critical,” he said. “Prevention is better than cure, but too many rely solely on medical advancement. We must be proactive.”
He encouraged the elderly to seek counselling without shame, sharing how it helped him personally discover new layers of himself. “Even dementia fears can be lessened with early interventions — staying active, socially connected, and mentally engaged.”
Justin Victor, counsellor and chairman of Befrienders Kuala Lumpur, shared a moving personal story about his late mother, Madam Philomena Victor, who passed away at age 94. A deeply faith-filled and community-oriented woman, she remained active in her BEC, kept in touch with a wide circle of family and friends, and adapted to digital tools during the COVID-19 lockdown to continue attending online Masses.
“She never stopped serving or loving,” he said. “Even in her 90s, she read daily Scripture, used her sewing machine, and danced at family gatherings. In her final days, she radiated peace and joy. Her readiness to return to God came from a lifetime of love, service, and strong faith.”
Summing up the session, host Andrew Chew reflected, “Ageing is a reality we all must face, but how we experience it is a matter of choice. Jesus came to offer us a grace-filled life (John 10:10). May we choose to embrace ageing as a beautiful and sacred journey.”
To view the session, go to: https://bit.ly/4eTdDvX – Herald Malaysia
