An old, wise judge once said to a packed court room, "To be seventy years young is sometimes far more cheerful and hopeful than to be forty years old." According to recent statistics, there is an estimated six million senior citizens—those aged 60 years and above—in each of the Southeast Asia countries. The median age of senior citizens is 68 years old, meaning that half of this number is below the age given. Many are still actively working, either earning as employees and small business owners or help run their families. Ideally, they are also entitled to work pay and other benefits such as opportunities to apply for cash loans. Many are still considered as gainful workers. The longer-living population is broadening the unique challenges faced by the families, the communities, and even the government, in providing for the needs of seniors, particularly in healthcare.

For senior citizens who are already retired and are living on their pensions or other retirement funds, it is important that they know how to take care of themselves, most especially their well-being. One of the important things for them to remember, or those who are assisting in their care, is to always keep them clean. Unfortunately, when older people experience physical illness and mental deterioration it becomes difficult for them to keep clean. Remember that being untidy is would certainly hasten the problems of old age.

Another important thing for senior citizens to do is to exercise regularly and moderately. They should not let themselves slipped into a sedentary lifestyle. The more they lack activity and other bodily movements, the more they would have problems with simple exercise routines. A few minutes of walking a day helps a lot. A sedentary lifestyle can be a form of suicide. Senior citizens must be encouraged and persuaded to keep moving and to continue enjoying life as old age approaches.

Lastly, older people should eat less but their food intake must be well-balanced and nutritious for their age. More fresh fruits and vegetables are included in their meals. As older people approach retirement age, they should also change their eating habits and watch what they eat or else they would experience a host of health problems that are usually costly or, worse, deadly. Gradually decrease intake of food rich in fats and sugar. In turn, increase the time for exercise. So, for those who are still a bit far from retirement, it is advisable to prepare a nest egg, even if one has to get payday advances every now and then to stretch the budget for that retirement fund.