Personal Background

At 68 years old, Mdm Rosni bte Hashim has spent her retirement years far from idle. Born and raised in Penang, she graduated from Penang Methodist Boy's School in Air Itam and retired from a Japanese electronics company at the age of 50. For the past 18 years, she has devoted herself to her true passion: senior care. Inspired by her late neighbor, Prof. Dr. Maznah Binti Meh @ Ismail, a pioneer in education at USM, Mdm Rosni embarked on a journey that has significantly impacted her community in Penang. Prof. Dr. Maznah even took additional papers for her Ph.D. in education (Gerontology), a rare pursuit during her time.

 

The Journey Begins
Mdm Rosni's journey into senior care began with a short-term course at the Gerontology Institute at Universiti Putra Malaysia, under PROF. Datok Dr. Tengku Azian bt Tengku Abdul Hamid. This multidisciplinary course, now known as My Ageing, opened her eyes to visualize her own silver years and the elderly support system around her. Caregiving became her Ikigai. Upon her return to Penang, she connected with Dr. Alan Ch'ng, a geriatrician, and began volunteering at the Penang Dementia Association. Her commitment saw her rise to a committee member position, where she initiated several projects aimed at enhancing the lives of seniors.

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Initiatives for Seniors
1. Borak-Borak Nasi Lemak and Kopi O: Inspired by Prof. Maznah's advice, Mdm Rosni organized weekly breakfast gatherings at a local park, bringing seniors together over nasi lemak and kopi. This initiative not only provided nourishment but also fostered a sense of community among the elderly.
2. Computer Courses: Leveraging her connections, she persuaded friends at USM to start computer courses for seniors, ensuring they remained tech-savvy and connected in the digital age.
3. Religious Classes: The gerontology curriculum equipped seniors with religious study materials. Mdm Rosni shared this curriculum with the Pusat Islam administrator, leading to the launch of extra classes aimed at nourishing the mental and spiritual well-being of seniors.
4. Caregiving: Mdm Rosni personally cared for her sister who suffered a stroke and later became an eldersitter, caring for individuals living with dementia.

Memorable Moments
Throughout her journey, Mdm Rosni has had several memorable moments that highlight her compassion and dedication:
• She assisted a Japanese tourist who fell into a coma after an accident, taking care of him and liaising with his family in Japan until his passing.
• She aided a senior man who fell at Jelutong market, ensuring he received prompt medical attention.

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Passion and Hobbies
Mdm Rosni's passion for elderly care goes beyond initiatives and caregiving. She is dedicated to helping seniors live with dignity, a mission that drives her daily activities. Her advice to retirees is simple yet profound: "Find your Ikigai. Do things that you love."

 

Future Plans
Looking ahead, Mdm Rosni envisions a robust caregiver support system for the older community. Inspired by the disciplined volunteer work of the Tzu Chi group, she aims to create a network that includes training and mapping trainees to those in need of care. She hopes to leave a legacy in the form of a comprehensive caregiving support system, addressing the needs of the elderly, especially the homeless.

 

Heroes and Inspirations
"I would like to highlight my heroes so that the younger generation can gain insight into their lifelong Ikigai (in Islamic faith, this is known as Fardu Kifayah). These individuals inspire my own Ikigai within my capacity and limitations. They serve as powerful motivators for the younger generation, encouraging them to understand the intricate art of aging gracefully while actively pursuing their own sense of purpose and fulfillment.

 

One such figure is Tan Sri Lim Lye Thy. His outstanding contributions to community well-being stand as a testament to his dedication and vision. Through his exceptional work, he has demonstrated how a commitment to the greater good can profoundly impact society and inspire others to find their own Ikigai. His example not only highlights the importance of nurturing a meaningful life but also illustrates how one can make a significant difference while embracing the complexities of aging with grace.

 

Another influential figure is Professor Tengku Dr. Azian, the esteemed founder of the Gerontology Institute. Her pioneering efforts in the field of gerontology have set a remarkable standard for understanding and improving the quality of life for the aging population. Through her groundbreaking work, she has provided invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with aging.

 

Finally, I would like to honor the women and ladies who have contributed significantly to promoting social wellness within their communities. These remarkable individuals deeply inspire my sense of Ikigai and serve as examples for the younger generation to seek out their own purpose and fulfill it with grace and dedication."

Mdm Rosni

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This article has been reviewed and approved for publication by SITI 20.08.2024.
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