For the final session of the five-part series “The Art, Science and Good News of Ageing” on 7 December, Dr Kanwaljit Soin, orthopaedic and hand surgeon and former Nominated Member of Parliament, Prof Cheung Chan Fai, the former Chairman of the Department of Philosophy in The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and moderator Adj Asst Prof Maleena Suppiah Cavert, Chief Wellbeing Officer at the National University Health System (NUHS) had a lively exchange on the philosophy of ageing, and how a positive shift in our inner attitude can bring meaning and satisfaction to growing old.
Can we live longer but stay younger? Dr Soin believes we can by addressing the physical, cognitive and emotional aspects of ageing. Keeping a positive attitude, remaining creative, having sufficient sleep, exercise, nutrition and social connectivity are some ways to keep our biological age significantly lower than our ‘chronological age’.
Prof Cheung invited the audience to probe more deeply into the meaning of a well-lived life in the ‘Third Age’ — the phase of life after retirement when we have more time and freedom to focus on our inner self and pursue what truly interests us. In his opinion, living our lives with reflection and authenticity is what counts as a life well-lived. Keeping a positive perspective on ageing can add years to your life and life to your years.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by the speakers in this webinar are their own and do not represent the opinions of The HEAD Foundation.
