1. Congratulations on the release of Super Ageing: Are We Doing It Right? How does it feel to share this book with readers?
I am glad to have appointed Cannon Beam and The Shining Literature to assist me with the launch of this book. They have done an excellent job so far. My vision for this book is to reach out to individuals as well as world leaders and offer insights and strategies for managing the ageing population.
2. What inspired you to write Super Ageing: Are We Doing It Right?
I have been a carer for my late parents and sister, and I am currently working as a freelance carer. Through these experiences, I have observed that the processes involved in caring for the sick and elderly can be overly complex. This prompted me to reflect on these challenges and ultimately write this book.
3. The book explores the challenges of an ageing society. What do you hope readers will understand about the concept of “Super Ageing”?
I hope readers will reflect on the existing processes in their own countries and compare them with the ideas presented in this book. This may provide them with new perspectives and ideas that they can consider adopting.
4. Your experience as a freelance community caregiver has influenced much of your writing. How did your personal experiences in caregiving shape this book?
I believe that to be a carer, one must have the passion and commitment to give from the heart and to go beyond what is normally expected. My personal experiences in caregiving have reinforced this belief and greatly influenced the ideas presented in this book.
5. You emphasize that ageing should be viewed as a triumph rather than a decline. Could you tell our readers more about this philosophy?
When a person ages, they should not think of it as simply reaching the end of life or waiting for death. To me, age is just a number, and growing older can represent the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. It all depends on how we view life and how we reflect on our new passions, purposes, and callings.
6. Loneliness, solitary deaths, and the loss of human connection are important concerns discussed in the book. What changes do you believe society needs to better support older people?
Society must ask itself whether making money from providing services has become more important than providing genuine care. My concern is that some countries are overly focused on setting up more agencies and engaging more private entities. As a result, the fundamental purpose of caring for older people can sometimes be overlooked, contributing to these problems. It is particularly concerning when we see such issues occurring even in developed countries.
7. You have strongly advocated for recognizing caregivers as professionals. Why is professional recognition for caregivers so important?
Caregivers are also known internationally as carers. In one of my books, Being a Caregiver, Is It a Profession?, I call for a clearer distinction between professional caregivers and domestic helpers who are employed to perform caregiving duties.
If caregiving is recognized as a profession, carers should also receive appropriate professional protection. This could include Professional Indemnity Insurance to provide protection in situations involving accidents or unintended harm while caring for elderly individuals.
8. Your writing combines social issues, policy, personal experiences, and literary expression. How do you balance these different elements while writing?
When I write, I simply pen down my thoughts first. Subsequently, I reorganize and structure them according to different categories and themes. That is how I normally approach my writing process.
9. Who would you especially recommend Super Ageing: Are We Doing It Right? to, and what do you hope they take away from the book?
Personally, I would recommend this book to individuals who want to assess whether their existing approaches and processes for dealing with an ageing population are working effectively.
I would also recommend it to leaders who are looking for ideas and perspectives on how to better prepare for and manage the challenges associated with their ageing populations.
10. Are you currently working on another book or project? What can your readers look forward to next?
Yes, I am currently working on my next book, which should be released in early November. It will explore a subject that I believe has not previously been presented in this way, and I look forward to sharing more details with readers soon.
11. Are you active on social media? How can readers connect with you and follow your work?
Yes, I am active on Facebook and Instagram. Readers can connect with me and follow my work through these social media platforms.
12. Where can readers purchase Super Ageing: Are We Doing It Right?
Readers will be able to purchase Super Ageing: Are We Doing It Right? through Amazon and other online platforms, which will be announced by Cannon Beam and The Shining Literature. The book will be available worldwide in both eBook and print-on-demand formats.
