New active ageing hub in Bishan for seniors to stay engaged with community
Published on
26 May 2023
Published by
The Straits Times
SINGAPORE - At a studio apartment block in Bishan Street 11, one can hear the sound of pool balls being hit. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air.
The residents of Golden Jasmine, a studio apartment project for seniors, have been spending their days at a new hub that offers activities to keep them active.
Ukulele jamming sessions, a pool club and coffee made by barista-trained seniors offer the elderly a chance to get out of their homes and stay busy.
Mr Peter Chia, 73, has been playing pool for the past 50 years. The certified pool coach was intrigued when word of the hub spread among his neighbours.
Mr Chia, who has lived in the block with his wife for the past 13 years, now goes to St Luke’s ElderCare Active Ageing Hub@Bishan for activities three times a week, and is the leader of the centre’s pool club.
He said: “Being part of all these activities will keep us away from boredom, or more serious conditions like dementia. Mental health is very important at this age.
“We get to forge friendships and bond too. After playing pool, we’ll always head to the nearby coffee shop for a cup of teh tarik.”
The hub had been operating for close to two years, before its official opening on Friday.
It serves 85 per cent of the 225 residents in the block.
Bishan-Toa Payoh MP Chong Kee Hiong said at the launch that the opening of the hub is timely, as it addresses the increasing need for quality eldercare facilities and services in the area.
The proportion of elderly people in the area is higher than the national average, he said.
The hub has an operating capacity of 60 for its daycare, and sees an average of 21 clients for its rehabilitation services. Its active ageing programme has 400 enrolments to date.
Mr Chong said: “It is encouraging to know that many families have reported significant improvements in the physical and emotional well-being of their parents and grandparents.”
The hub aims to transition into an Active Ageing Centre in the next year, to serve more than 3,000 elders in the community.
The chairman of St Luke’s ElderCare, Professor Ho Yew Kee, said that Singapore’s ageing population is something that must be embraced, rather than something to be terrified by.
He said: “We can turn this into an opportunity to build a nation that is an exceptional place for living and ageing.”
Amenities and facilities like the new hub now cater not just to an ageing population, but one that is ageing actively, he added.
“Ageing can be a very lonely process. Staying active is what we can do to take away that loneliness,” said Prof Ho.
“We want our elders to live a dignified life with purpose and meaning. Longevity is important, but a dignified life is equally important.”
Madam Kamsiah Ali, 79, moved into the block with her husband in 2010. When he died two years ago, the retiree found herself spending her days alone in her flat.
She now visits the hub four times a week to meet her friends and talk to student volunteers who stop by to host activities.
“If I stay at home, it’s so lonely and boring. At least by going out, I can keep my mind active and take care of myself,” she said.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission.
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