The HEALTH | NOVEMBER, 2019
20
SENIOR
Companies should
look at the areas in
their organisation
where they need the
expertise but have not
been able to get the
right talent. Seniors
can be an alternative
pool of talent to fulfi l
those needs.”
60 is the
new 40
Leveraging on Malaysia’s
seniors in the workplace
– Sharmila Sinnathurai
work, but never knew where to go.
Th e next important question was demand,
whether organisations would be keen to
hire seniors. Roundtable sessions with HR
professionals, recruiters were done and a
conclusion was reached. Sixty per cent of HR
professionals were very open to the idea of
hiring seniors.
Employers also shared their initial appre-
hension in hiring seniors was the certain
perception the seniors might fall ill which
might take a hit on productivity.
“Companies can do a health test so if the
seniors have any existing ailments, and the
organisation can select if they are interested.
If companies are worried about issues such
as increase in health insurance – most of
our seniors are not looking for that coverage
because they have their own medical cards and
our government healthcare is free of charge.”
R
ETIRED life does come with its
perks. Cosy pyjamas, slippers,
sleeping in, travelling, and maybe
even explore hidden abilities you
didn’t know you had when you were
younger. But there are some of us
seniors that feel we can still contribute, still
itch to do something worthwhile.
Sharmila Sinnathurai and Jasmin Amirul
Ghani, who had developed Hire. Seniors, a
social enterprise that specialises in helping
seniors to fi nd employment believe there are
abundant job opportunities.
Are there actually
jobs for seniors?
Th e two friends realised the importance of
ensuring senior minds are kept active and
thus explored the idea on how to make it a
possibility. Employment came up as one of
key ideas.
“Coming from the corporate sector and HR
profession, there was always a struggle get-
ting good talents. Nobody was really looking
at the retired pool,” Sharmila says.
Th e duo then proceeded to launch a three-
month market survey to observe whether
there would be demand and supply. Supply
meaning seniors eager to return to work. Sur-
prisingly, the ladies received an overwhelming
response from the senior community with
the feedback that they were keen to return to
(above) Sharmila
says that there is a
surprising number
of seniors looking
for work, as well as
employers seeking
highly experienced
seniors.
Sharmila and Jasmin
with the seniors at the
KWAP Rasa Sayang
Karnival 2019 at Shah
Alam.
Tapping the senior expertise
One concern raised by companies is that
graduates may have less employment oppor-
tunities if seniors were allowed to return to
work but Sharmila said that is not the case.
“Companies should look at the areas in their
organisation where they need the expertise
but have not been able to get the right talent.
Seniors can be an alternative pool of talent to
fulfi l those needs,” she explained.
“It’s a contingency workforce. For example,
an accounting fi rm with a backlog of tax and
audit jobs could hire a group of seniors with
the relevant experience to help it for two to
three months.”
Sharmila said there are benefits for
employers when it comes to hiring seniors,
one of which is the latter’s experience. Th ere
have been a lot of requests for seniors with
relationship skills. “Businesses are beginning
to see the value seniors can bring when selling
products and services, especially in areas that
are senior-related.
How long does it usually take to get a job?
According to Sharmila, it can be as short as six
weeks. Th e platform categorises candidates
based on their job skills — specialists, semi-
skilled and generalists. — Th e Health
How to keep our brain sharp as we age
FORGETFULNESS can be a normal
part of getting older. Occasionally, we
may miss a monthly payment, forget
which word to use or misplace our
glasses. Th ose can be signs of normal
ageing, according to the National
Institute on Ageing.
However, these changes can
make it harder to learn new things,
interfere with memory and can be
a source of frustration. Here are a
couple of things to keep that noggin
sharp.
Get Moderate Exercise
Regular cardiovascular exercise that
elevates the heart rate can increase
blood fl ow to the brain. Many seniors
are physically unable to take part in
extended exercise sessions; however,
simply walking around at least once
a day can increase oxygen fl ow to the
brain and help seniors keep a clear
mind.
Eat a healthy diet
Researchers have found strong
evidence that vitamin E, B vitamins,
and omega-3 fatty acids could help
prevent dementia, along with avoid-
ing saturated fat.
Make Friends
Be a people person! Talking with
others actually sharpens your brain,
whether at work, at home, or out in
your community. Studies show social
activities improve your mind. So vol-
unteer, or sign up for a class. — Th e
Health