KUCHING: Thirty-two senior citizens and homeless people took part in an Arts and Music Therapy programme here.
The objective of the programme was to give an opportunity to senior citizens and the homeless to explore their artistic and musical talents as one of the measures to fight depression.
Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Children Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah officiated at the programme at Hotel 56 here yesterday.
The participants were from Rumah Sri Kenangan (RSK) Kuching and Desa Bina Diri (DBD) Kuching.
Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) Tun Abdul Razak Campus counsellor Dr Christine Augustine Kiek carried out five activities to entertain the participants.
“These activities help reduce blood pressure, increase immune system, metabolism, sleep quality, balance and flexibility.
“As we grow older, activities like these, help make us feel better emotionally and physically,” she told them.
Fatimah said senior citizens should always have a place in society as they have knowledge, experience, skills and have contributed to the upbringing of their children, and to the nation through various roles they played when they were young.
“They now deserve to enjoy their golden years. Therefore, let us help and support our senior citizens in their quest to be as independent for as long as possible,” she said.
Among those present at the programme were Sarawak Gerontology and Geriatrics Association president Dennis Tan, vice-president Jee Tzin Kiat and Sarawak Social Welfare Department director Joni Nuruddin.
