KUCHING: Marriages in old age can help senior citizens avoid feelings of loneliness and prevent them from experiencing depression.
Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK), Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said that having a partner at this stage of life provided them with motivation to continue living meaningfully.
“We believe that at the later stages of life, happiness is of utmost importance. Living with a partner gives them a reason to continue living because there is someone to share companionship and care for one another.
“It becomes a reason to live and this is very important in a person’s life, regardless of age,” she said when met by reporters after witnessing the marriage of Richard Wong and Molly Teo at the National Registration Department (JPN) office here today.
Commenting on the marriage of the couple from Rumah Seri Kenangan, Fatimah expressed her joy in witnessing their special moment.
She said the ministry and Rumah Seri Kenangan supported the union of the two senior citizens by facilitating the process of their marriage.
“When they find a suitable partner and feel that this person is the best match, we support their wish to unite.
“If they love each other and intend to make their relationship legal, we will help smoothen the process to ensure their union is legally recognised,” she added.
Commenting on the marriage of Wong and Teo, Fatimah said, “This is not something commonly seen, but we celebrate it when it happens. It is a positive development. At least, they have a companion to converse with at all times,” she explained.
Wong and Teo officially became husband and wife yesterday (Thursday) after more than a year of getting to know each other at Rumah Seri Kenangan here.
