Little One (With Lyrics) ...Russ Hamilton

Remember this song by Russ Hamilton? What a lovely lullaby to sing to our little ones to get them to sleep! If you enjoy evergreens (think Russ Hamilton, Cliff Richard, Frankie Avalon, Johnny Tillotson, Ricky Nelson, etc) as well as inspirational and educational video clips, do check out fellow Malaysian Oh Teik Bin's video-sharing website on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/bteikoh He has 170 videos in his collection and uploads on a regular basis. A retired teacher, Teik Bin is currently a Dhammaduta worker at the Persatuan Budhhist Hilir Perak in Teluk Intan.

TO CROSS OR NOT TO CROSS THE DIGITAL DIVIDE?

"Older adults are the fastest growing demographic on the Internet," said Prof Vicki Hanson at a global World Wide Web conference held in Madrid recently. I'm not too sure if this is the case in Malaysia as reliable statistics are not available. What I do know is that there are still many seniors aged 60+ who do not use the computer, and have no desire to do so, period.


Unless the nature of their work requires the regular use of computers and electronic gadgets, most older seniors don't feel comfortable using digital technology. Much of this has to do with the era they grew up in. Back in the 1950s and 60s, there were no personal computers, cell phones, Playstation, video/digital cameras, microwave ovens, washing machines or GPS. Back then machines were very basic and simple to use.


So it's easy to understand why many older seniors are bewildered and intimidated by the plethora of gadgets on the market today – from blackberrys to iPods and what-have-yous. It's a steep learning curve for them, and young adults should bear this in mind before they lose patience with their parents or grandparents and declare them 'impossible to teach'.


Take my 83-year old mother as an example. She has difficulty figuring out how to use the TV and Astro remote controls. To make it easier for her, I leave the Astro decoder on Channel 311. I keep away the Astro remote control so she won't confuse it with the TV remote control. So all she has to do is press the red ON/OFF button on the TV remote to enjoy her favourite programmes.


But not all older seniors are technophobic. At an internet marketing seminar I attended two years ago, I met Chuan Chooi. In his late 70s then, he was the oldest participant to have set up his own website to generate income. Then there is Tan Sri Dr Ani Arope, 78, who famously took up flying after his retirement. "Flying sharpens my mental faculties," he says. I can well believe that. Just imagine having to learn how to operate all those computers and electronic gadgets in the cockpit! I have trouble just remembering how to set up the DVD player to record selected TV programmes!


Many seniors (myself included) still look at e-payment and online banking with distrust. Forget about online shopping. Nothing comes close to the satisfaction of being able to touch, test or smell an item before deciding to buy it. After all, isn’t that what the shopping experience is all about. Likewise reading the news online can never beat the satisfaction of actually holding the newspaper in our hands as we scan the headlines. Let's not even bring up the Kindle.


As long as there is an option, older seniors will always choose the old familiar ways of doing things. That's how it has always been for them. And no one should force them to do otherwise. This is their message to all techno-evangelists waiting to convert them. LEAVE US ALONE. WE ARE HAPPY TO REMAIN COMPUTER ILLITERATE!

A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY

The Small Stones, with Johnny's elder brother Lawrence (far left).

12 hours of great non-stop music, from 2.00pm to 2.00am. That was what the organisers promised, and that was exactly what they delivered. (Click on the banner for a close-up view of the line-up.)

I am talking about “A Tribute to Johnny” held yesterday at Ol' Skool Bistro, Jalan Gasing. Musicians from some of the country’s best-known bands came together to perform and pay tribute to fellow musician Frederick John David who passed away on 14 February this year. Judging from the huge turnout, both in terms of patrons and performers, Johnny was much loved and deeply missed by his family and friends.

When I got to the bistro at 4.00pm, the Yellow Jackets were playing. They were in their element and had the crowd shouting for more. As the evening continued, bands like Vernon and Fats, Albert Sirimal and Friends, the Jetliners, Cliff and the Shadows 2 served up a cocktail of heady retro hits that got the crowd all revved up for more. More than 20 acts took the stage, and what a musical feast it was for baby boomers like me who grew up on a diet of 1960s-70s billboard hits.

Roy Gomez (far left) looks on proudly as sons Roeshan, 17, and Chrishen, 15, showcase their musical talents.

If you listened with eyes closed, you would think THE SHADOWS were playing. The band was that good.

As a self-confessed pub-crawler in the good old days when it was still safe for single ladies to venture out at night in search of good live music, I was certainly soaking up the nostalgia as each band brought on more happy memories. In between sets, the organizers screened music video clips of the era. We were treated to classics like "Superstition", "Jump!", "I Want To Break Free", and "Band on the Run". The crowd was lapping up every bit of it. The small dance floor was packed to capacity as the young and the not-so-young showed off their hot dance moves.

The Jetliners wowed the crowd and got them on their feet.

The Yellow Jackets have been around for decades, and they are true vintage.

Albert Sirimal and friends needed no introduction - the crowd couldn't wait to hear them.

The atmosphere was charged with so much love and camaraderie. Not only were Johnny's friends out in full force, but also his family members. I lost count of how many of Johnny's nieces and nephews were there, helping out behind the scenes and upfront. Lawrence, a member of The Small Stones, got all teary-eyed when he spoke of his younger brother Johnny. In thanking everyone for their support, he singled out Ol' Skool Bistro co-owner, Calvin Adelrick Guneratne, for sponsoring the event. Part of the proceeds from ticket sales as well as the wine auction would go towards helping Johnny's family.

Johnny's daughter Michelle reads out a tribute to her father with her mom, Angie Pereira, by her side.

The Family Jam featuring some of Johnny's nieces and nephews.

You may well wonder why I am gushing about this particular musical event. In times like these when all we hear or read about is mostly depressing, any event that brings together people of all ages, colours and religions in a spirit of love, joy and celebration deserves highlighting over and over again. There is also something about Ol' Skool Bistro that makes one feel among friends.

Three of the lovely ladies I met at the event.

I enjoyed myself thoroughly at the event, and so did all the hundreds of people who turned up. It was certainly a fitting tribute to Johnny. I am sure he would have approved and applauded.

Some of Johnny's family members and friends, including Lawrence (4th left) and Calvin (2nd left).

LAUGH A LITTLE

If you are suffering from a serious bout of bad-news fatigue like I am, it's time to reach out for that medicine bottle for some comic relief!

FLYING BACKWARDS
Two elderly gentlemen, who had been without sex for several years, decided they needed to visit a cat-house for some tail. When they arrived, the madam took one look at them and decided she wasn't going to waste any of her girls on these two old men. So she used "blow-up" dolls instead. She put the dolls in each man's room and left them to their business.

After the two men were finished, they started walking home and began talking. The first man said, "I think the girl I had was dead. She never moved, talked or even groaned. How was it for you?" The second man replied, "I think mine was a witch. When I nibbled on her breast she farted and flew out the window!"

MY LIVING WILL

Last night, my friend and I were sitting in the living room and I said to her, "I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug."

She got up, unplugged the TV, and threw out my wine.

CERTAIN AILMENTS
A group of Sun City Senior citizens were sitting around talking about their ailments:
"My arms are so weak I can barely hold a cup of coffee", said one.
"Yes, I know. My cataracts are so bad I can't even see my coffee", replied another.
"I can't turn my head because of the arthritis in my neck", said a third, to which several nodded in agreement.
My blood pressure pills make me dizzy," another went on.
"I guess that's the price we pay for getting old," winced an old man as he shook his head.
Then there was a short moment of silence.
"Well, it's not that bad" said one woman cheerfully. "Thank God, we can all still drive"!

WHY MEN SHOULDN'T BABYSIT!

NEW HEARING AID
A man was telling his neighbor, "I just bought a new hearing aid. It cost me four thousand dollars, but it's state of the art. It's perfect."

"Really," answered the neighbor. "What kind is it?"

"Twelve thirty."

COOL GRANDMA!

Yikes! Someone please tell grandma 'being cool' doesn't mean being well-ventilated!

WHEN IS OLD?

"OLD" IS WHEN..... Your sweetie says, "Let's go upstairs and make love, and you answer, "Honey, I can't do both!"
"OLD" IS WHEN..... Your friends compliment you on your new alligator shoes and you're barefoot.
"OLD" IS WHEN..... You don't care where your spouse goes, just as long as you don't have to go along.
"OLD" IS WHEN..... You are cautioned to slow down by the doctor instead of by the police.
"OLD" IS WHEN..... "Getting a little action" means you don't need to take any fiber today.
"OLD" IS WHEN..... "Getting lucky" means you find your car in the parking lot.
"OLD" IS WHEN..... An "all-nighter" means not getting up to pee!

MADE IT TO THE MAIL BOX JUST IN TIME!

BE ON YOUR GUARD WHEN IN JB

A cowardly act of violence against an elderly. (Photo: The Star)

As a Johorean, I am aghast at the high crime rate in Johor. The latest incident was reported in the papers only this morning. A pregnant woman died after robbers pulled her off her motorcycle in Air Hitam, Johor. On April 22, an 80-year old man was slashed by robbers on bikes in Johor Bahru despite handing over his cash and watch to them. What kind of demented mind would prompt such a dastardly act of violence against a defenceless citizen? And that’s not all. Last month a Singaporean was slashed to death in a parang attack in Kulai, Johor. I can understand the concern of the our neighbours whenever they cross the causeway into Johor to shop or visit relatives or friends.

The Singapore-JB causeway is all that separates a region with a low crime rate from one that's at the other end of the scale.

Over the past few years, the crime rate has steadily risen in Johor. Back in 2006, Johor had already recorded 6.171 cases in just three months from January to March. The state capital, Johor Bahru (JB), in particular, has won noteriety as the city with the highest crime rate in Malaysia. And these are only the reported cases.

The state's crime prevention efforts don't seem to have much lasting success, as evident by the recent spike in criminal attacks. According to a news report in The Star, in January this year Johor police managed to nap four guys selling an array of deadly weapons in the carpark of a supermarket. Among the items seized were 87 Samurai swords, three crossbows with 200 ball bearings and 63 arrows, seven batons, five knives, five parangs and five nunchakus (two metal or wooden sticks connected by a chain, popularised by Bruce Lee in his movies). With such easy access to weapons, it's no wonder armed attacks are on the increase.

What has happened to the JB I used to love? I was born in Batu Pahat, Johor, but spent my coming-of-age years studying Form 6 at English College in JB. Life was simple and safe in the 1960s. I recall strolling the streets late at night with my housemates, looking for supper. There was no cause for us to be wary of snatch thieves, pick-pockets, rapists or armed robbers. Now I would think twice before venturing out of my sister's house in JB even in broad daylight.

It's the oft-repeated story of plenty of laws and preventive measures in place, but a dearth of enforcement. A policeman on duty in JB is a rare sight. A visitor can probably see more illegal immigrants and vagrants in this city than law enforcement officers. Of course, the police will continue to issue press statements with statistics to back up their claim that the crime rate has gone down in many states, including Johor. But figures can be an illusion.

Instead of relying solely on the police to protect us, as responsible citizens we should also be more pro-active about our personal safety. The National Crime Prevention Council of Singapore has an excellent website that lists preventive measures citizens can take to protect themselves against crimes ranging from armed robbery to motor vehicles theft. Malaysians can pick up more than a tip or two from this website than from the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation website which, unfortunately, contains more photos of dignitaries and press releases than anything useful.

TRAINING THE CAREGIVERS OF THE ELDERLY

My mother will be 83 in October. Except for a couple of age-related problems, she is in relatively good health and physically independent. Still, a time will come when she will no longer be able to do things for herself. Would I be sufficiently equipped with the know-how to look after her? As her sole caregiver, I was delighted when I found out that the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society (MHAS) and The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) would be jointly conducting a series of talks to help train caregivers of the elderly.

Particpants came from all over the country.

I immediately signed up for both the basic and the advanced programmes. Thanks to Abbott Nutrition who sponsored the event, the fee was only RM40 for each programme.

Ms Sivaneswari Pillay sharing her experiences as a caregiver during the Q & A session. The other panelists were pharmacist Pn Syahida Embi and consultant cardiologist Dr Wong Teck Wee who spoke on Medical Warning Signs.

MHAS did an excellent job of putting together a panel of medical professionals and healthcare specialists to share their expertise on topics ranging from medication and caring for patients with diabetes, stroke, or depression and chronic problems like constipation, incontinence and poor nutrition, to basic resuscitation and first aid. Participants were taught how to clean wounds, including bed sores, and the proper way to move a patient. There were talks on bone loss, memory loss and hearing loss, as well as sessions on alternative therapy and how to deal with family conflicts.

Consultant geriatrician Dr Yau Weng Keong gave tips on how to manage pain in the elderly.

Consultant physician and geriatrician, Dr Rajbans Singh, enlightened participants on the role of supplements while Ms Theresa Commadeur demonstrated the technique of tapping to relieve stress.

The organizers slotted in as many topics as time would allow. There were topics as diverse as skin and foot care, beauty and grooming for the elderly, and stress management for the caregivers to tips on how to choose a good nursing home. The President of MHAS, Assoc Prof Dr Nathan Vytialingam spoke on intimacy in the elderly and preparing for death, while organizing chairman, Ms Ranuga Devy, who is an advocate and solicitor, counselled participants on the importance of estate planning. The latter drew quite a bit of interest from the participants as it was an opportunity for them to seek free legal advice!

MHAS president and consultant occupational therapist Assoc Prof Dr Nathan (top) and Organizing Chairman Ms Ranuga Devy.

At times, it was a case of information overload as participants tried to absorb as much as they could. There was plenty that I picked up which was immediately applicable to my role as a caregiver. The four days of training definitely gave me a better understanding of my mother’s current and future needs. I am now in a better position too to prepare for my own old age.

The “Train the caregivers of the elderly” (TCE) programme moves on to Penang on 16-17 May, then back to Kuala Lumpur on 4-5 July, 8-9 August, and ends in Johor Bahru on 26-27 September. Members get a 50% discount on the fee, so it makes sense to sign up for membership. Says MHAS president, Assoc Prof Dr Nathan, “Membership is open to all Malaysians aged 18 years and above. Our mission is to promote an integrative approach to healthy ageing for all.”

For more about MHAS and the TCE programme, contact 603 2070 5600 or visit their website at http://www.healthyageing.org

LABOUR PAIN FOR THE JOBLESS

Thousands of Filipinos queueing up outside a mall during a job fair on May Day. (Reuters)

MayDay! MayDay! This is the SOS distress cry that's reverberating around the world – from North Africa which has an unemployment rate of 10.3% to Australia with 5.2%. This surely must be the longest labour pain on record – more than a year and still no signs of abating. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has warned that 50 million people would lose their jobs this year if the global recession continues.

There’s not much for workers to cheer about on this day. If anything, hundreds of thousands are taking to the streets across Asia and Europe to protest against job cuts, wage cuts, loss of compensation and employment benefits. In Germany, an estimated 69,000 jobs were axed in March alone. In the US, close to 700,000 people joined the ranks of the unemployed in the same period.

Protestors in Moscow call for a return to communism. (AFP)

In Singapore, the jobless rate for March hit a 5-year high of 4.8% with 12,600 redundancies in the first quarter of 2009. In Malaysia, the situation is not much better with more than 32,000 job losses between October 2008 to April 2009. While all sectors are affected by the job cuts and retrenchment, voluntary or otherwise, it is the less skilled, less educated and older workers who are the most vulnerable. Even those in their 40s do not feel secure about their jobs. Once they are out of the work force, it's not easy get back in unless the economy improves.


Singaporean, Gilbert Goh, is no stranger to this predicament. "At the age of 47, I too face mammoth pressure in securing employment in a hiring practice that borders on discriminatory". In the Klang Valley, the number of older taxi-drivers has surged, as has the number of sole proprietorships and online businesses. These are among the few options open to older retrenched workers in Malaysia. For others like Tony Loh, 50, busking in the busy Orchard Road underpath helps to bring in some much needed cash to feed the family.


In tough times like these, pride should be tossed aside. As long as it's an honest living, we can hold ourselves with dignity in what we have to do to make ends meet. The key is to remain resilient and resourceful. The current economic downturn offers plenty of lessons to be learned and new opportunities to take advantage of. Let's not waste it.