India, Nov. 16 -- At a time when many people are planning early retirements and chasing quieter lives, a 91-year-old man in Singapore has become an unlikely figure of inspiration online. A short interaction between the elderly man and Australian traveller Jaden Laing has gone viral, touching millions with its simplicity and warmth.

Laing posted the clip on Instagram, explaining that he had spotted "a really elderly man working hard in the bathroom in Singapore" and decided to offer him money for lunch.

The video begins with Laing gently striking up a conversation. "How are you?" he asks. "I am okay," the man replies with a shy smile. When Laing follows up with, "How's your day?" the man mishears him and instead answers, "91 years old". ...