S'porean man, 73, talks about difficulties of raising son, 8, & helping him become more independent: CNA

"When you reach the age of 18, I will be 84. I will probably be walking with a walking stick," 73-year-old Koh Seng Leong said to his eight-year-old son Zen.

"I can hold you when you are using a walking stick," came the thoughtful reply from Zen.

The father and son were featured in CNA Insider's latest episode of On The Red Dot, which explored their 65-year age gap.

Had first child at 55

In the episode, Koh said that he is often mistaken for Zen's grandfather.

He and his wife, whom he married when he was in his thirties, had originally not thought about expanding their family.

As they grew older, they realised that their house was "too quiet" and that they needed an addition to their family.

When his wife was 55, and he was 65, she got pregnant with Zen.

"When I found out, I was very happy. I was over the moon," Koh said.

Reality of being an older parent

Koh described how, before Zen was born, he did not realise that playing with and taking care of him would require a lot of energy.

The school canteen stall owner of 30 years said that he works from Monday to Friday and would be "dead tired" after work.

But Zen would ask him to do certain things, like going downstairs to play, and he would have to explain that he was too tired to do so.

Koh said he is aware that age is catching up with him and hopes to help Zen become more independent.

However, Koh acknowledged that the eight-year-old is not quite ready and still relies on his parents.

Beach outing

Koh brings Zen to Sentosa for the first time in the documentary.

He can be seen helping to carry sand buckets and luggage, and consoling Zen after he became emotional because of his fear of heights while trying to ride the Sentosa Luge.

However, there were some things Koh ultimately could not do, such as playing football when they visited the beach.

Despite this, Koh tried his best, making sure Zen was able to enjoy his time.

He also shared that he would try to learn how to play Zen's favourite activity: video games.

The father and son also shared some emotional moments, especially when Zen surprised Koh with a roti prata birthday cake.

"I need him to be independent because I will not be around with him for a long time, the faster he becomes an independent person, the more relieved I will be," Koh said.