The Star interviews SS20 MELoR participants

I used to smoke 60 cigarettes a day. Now I have quit smoking, says David Cho.

David Cho, 68, a former bank officer, was a heavy smoker. When he found that it was getting more expensive to feed his habit, he quit smoking in 2005. “I used to smoke 60 cigarettes a day or three packets. In those days, a packet of cigarettes cost RM7. Today, it is more than RM10,” said Cho. “I’m better off spending money on nutritious food.”

In 2007, he had a stroke. He woke up one morning and experienced immobility on the left side of his body. Then last December, Cho slipped and fell when he stepped on a pool of water on mossy ground. He fractured his arm.

These days, he walks slowly and uses a cane to steady himself. He has not regained full use of his left hand. Cho enrolled as a participant in Universiti Malaya’s Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR) last month.

“I get free blood tests and health checks. I’m more informed about my health status,” said Cho who does tai chi daily to keep fit.

“Every new day is a bonus,” he added.

Knowing my health status gave me confidence. At MELoR, the health screenings are free for all participants, says Chua Piak Chwee.

Chua Piak Chwee, 69, a former agricultural officer, is pleased with his health screening by MELoR. “Except for my high cholesterol, I’ve no major health problems.” Cho has been on medication for mild hypertension and cholesterol for the past decade.

“Knowing my health status gave me confidence. A blood test can cost over RM100. At MELoR, the health screenings are free for all participants,” said Chua.

During the home interviews by MELoR, he was asked if he would stay in a retirement village if one was built.

“I would rather stay in a well-run retirement village with medical facilities than go to a nursing home which is not well run. Anyway, retirement villages or nursing homes are for those who are not independent and do not have family support,” said Chua, who added that he would rather stay home with his family.

As a MELoR participant, Chua received tips on keeping his home safe and age-friendly. “When using the staircase, hold the railing. The bedroom should be kept simple without any obstruction. Bathrooms should not be wet and slippery but kept dry. And use slip-free mats.”

Dr Lim reckons the study aims to find out the kind of environment that is vital for the health and well-being of senior citizens.

Datin Dr Lim Ah Lan, 67, a former Botany professtor at Universiti Malaya, said: “MELoR is trying to use a sampling of the elderly participants and postulate what kind of senior citizens would live healthily and happily.”

A MELoR participant, she reckoned the study also wants to find out “what kind of environment and social interaction are vital for the health and well-being of senior citizens in Malaysia”. 

Accountant Cheah Hai Tah, 76, said that by joining MELoR, he can get his health problems checked. He has eye problems and tinnitus.  Read more ......