31/01/2025

FRIDAY | JAN 31, 2025

10 Key to ageing well

Under One Roof

Q: I am about to retire after a challenging but satisfying business career. However, I am concerned about keeping my mind sharp now that I will not be dealing with complex details every day. Any suggestions? Focus on the Family Malaysia: As we grow older, maintaining a healthy brain is important for leading a fulfilling life. Here are some suggestions to keep your mind sharp and stay mentally fit. The first step is to get active and stay active. Regular exercise promotes blood flow to the brain, which research shows can stimulate the production of new brain cells. This helps stave off cognitive decline and supports overall brain health. Secondly, eat a nutritious diet. The same dietary factors that contribute to heart disease, such as high cholesterol, can also increase the risk of stroke and other brain-related issues. Experts recommend a diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients that can support brain function and healthy weight management. Next, stay connected by nurturing social relationships. Research indicates that social engagement not only reduces stress but also helps protect against dementia. Volunteering, community involvement or simply spending time with family and friends can provide valuable social support. Connecting with younger generations is also a great way to share wisdom while gaining fresh energy and creativity. Finally, exercise your brain. Pick a new hobby or engage in activities such as reading, writing, puzzles, memory games, learning to play an instrument or enrolling in a course at a local college. These are great ways to keep your mind active. Our health is one of our greatest assets, so it is worth taking proactive steps to maintain a strong and healthy mind as we age. Q: My children seem to struggle with self control. Their paediatrician has ruled out ADHD but they often act impulsively, irritate each other and get into trouble at school.

Our health is one of our greatest assets, so it is worth taking proactive steps to maintain a strong, healthy mind as we age.

0 Set clear, consistent boundaries and limits – Parents often struggle to model boundaries, especially in areas like technology, media, money and food. Make sure you are setting clear guidelines and consistently following through. 0 Point out when you see your children using self-control – Children love positive feedback in response to proper behaviour. It gives them a clearer picture of what you are looking for when you talk about self-control. 0 Praise self-control when you see it – Children respond well to positive feedback. When you notice them using self-control, offer specific praise. This gives them a clearer picture of what self-control is about and encourages them to repeat the behaviour. 0 Teach the concept of “rewind” – A helpful

What can I do to help them develop better discipline? Focus on the Family Malaysia: Self-control is a trait that everyone needs to learn and develop, and it is something we can teach our children. Think of the process as similar to monitoring a car’s indicator lights and gauges. If the fuel gauge is empty (your child is hungry or thirsty), it may be time for a healthy snack or a drink of water. If the speedometer is too high (life is too hectic), it may be time to slow down. If the temperature is too high (emotions are running hot – angry or frustrated), a break could help bring things back to a manageable and calmer state. Here are three simple and practical ways to help your children develop self-control:

phrase to use is: “You can try that again but this time with respect.” Everyone makes mistakes, and teaching your children that they can correct their actions helps them understand the importance of self-regulation. Building self-control in childhood is a strong predictor of future success, so it is important to model and nurture this essential skill in your children. This article is contributed by Focus on the Family Malaysia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and strengthening the family unit. It provides a myriad of programmes and resources, including professional counselling services, to the community. For more information, visit family.org.my. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

Ease traffic gridlock at Persiaran Forest Heights 2

LETTERS letters@thesundaily.com

Honouring Lee Lam Thye I AM writing in response to the article by Datuk Seri Azman Ujang in theSun on Jan 24, marking the occasion of Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye’s birthday. but also to the welfare of animals. I have seen this MP walking through a wet market in Pudu Raya and conversing with hawkers and the public. He always dressed simply to be among the grassroots, and the public would flock to him.

AS a resident of Aster and Begonia, I would like to bring to the attention of the relevant authorities the daily traffic congestion that has been affecting Persiaran Forest Heights 2, Seremban, which serves five existing neighbourhoods, two new developments, a school and a college. The presence of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) Forest Heights, Kolej Tingkatan Enam Tuanku Muhriz and two new housing projects – Arden Hill and Oskar – along this route has led to a substantial increase in vehicle traffic, especially during peak hours. Previously, there was a traffic light junction near the Seremban City Hall Building, allowing vehicles from Persiaran Forest Heights 1 and 2 to exit directly onto the main Tampin/ Rahang road. However, several years ago, this junction was sealed off, forcing motorists to turn left onto the Tampin/Rahang road, drive further down and make a U-turn to access Seremban town or the Middle Ring Road. To this day, many residents and commuters question the reasoning behind the closure of this vital junction.

It appears to be a unilateral decision made by City Hall officials, seemingly made without adequate consideration and knowledge of the severe impact on the daily lives of countless residents and commuters. Therefore, it makes good sense for the traffic light junction to be reopened to traffic. The same applies to the junction leading into Forest Park and Cassia Homes from Persiaran Forest Heights 1, which was also sealed off following a fatal accident on April 1 last year. The increased traffic flow has also affected Taman Dusun Setia as motorists now use this densely populated neighbourhood as a shortcut to town and the Middle Ring Road. It is indeed magnanimous of the residents there who have not raised a fuss over the increased flow of traffic. I urge City Hall to seriously consider reopening that traffic light junction along the Tampin/Rahang road. Reopening it will, I believe, significantly alleviate traffic congestion along Persiaran Forest Heights 2 and Taman Dusun Setia.

when something commendable. Ministers and civil servants paid serious attention to his words. It was rare to see such a level headed MP. He was well respected, admired and appreciated and belonged to a school of his own. I was sad to see him leave politics but he is one who never retires. He still serves the country and its people, using any platform he can. He is also a member of many NGOs and continues to make us proud in every way. Lee has earned numerous awards locally and internationally. Among the many true tributes Azman paid to Lee, this one deserves recognition: “By all accounts, there is no one else who can match or even come close to Lee among us Malaysians in terms of tenacity and longevity in social activism and public services rendered.” Well said Datuk Seri. Nobody could have put it better. Siva Subramaniam Sentul they did

I concur with Azman’s description of Lee as an iconic figure, which, in my humble view, is the best way to encapsulate the man. I remember reading the English version of his book Call Lee Lam Thye , which was recently published, with the proceeds going to charitable organisations. The book launch was graced by none other than His Royal Highness The Sultan of Selangor. I was pleased to learn that the book was also translated and published in Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil as Lee served all races in Malaysia. Lee, as I have known him, is true to his words when he says, “I can’t imagine myself staying at home and doing nothing”. The social service spirit runs in his veins, and it will only end when he is no longer with us. Yet, his legacy will remain and decorate the pages of history. I have witnessed his services and contributions not just to humanity

He also visited coffee shops, where he would type out letters to the authorities on his facit typewriter, with a rubber stamp always kept in his car. The hawkers and business peddlers would always seek his assistance, and he never failed them. That may be the reason why he was also known as the “Father of the Hawkers”. Lee has always been a champion of the people in Malaysia. There is even a market named after him in China Town in Kuala Lumpur by the hawkers in appreciation for his services to them. What amazed me most was his performance in parliament. He spoke with no fear or favour. Fluent in Bahasa Malaysia, he would hold the government accountable when necessary but also commend them

Michael Ng Seremban