A time of reflection, rediscovery and personal growth

For 85-year-old Mr Chiang Chua Meng, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way he had to learn and communicate. However he saw it as an opportunity to reflect and rediscover.

 

Mr Chiang has retired for more than 24 years after working in the glass-making industry. Before COVID-19, Mr Chiang was an active senior who met with his friends regularly to exercise and drink tea. Being passionate about Qi Gong, he was a volunteer trainer at a community centre, imparting his skills to others. However, it all came to a standstill when the circuit breaker started.

 

During the circuit breaker period, Mr Chiang found his life monotonous with a lack of activities to do at home. Concerned with her father’s well-being, Mr Chiang’s daughter encouraged and helped him to sign up for the National Silver Academy (NSA) course “Happy 50!” which was conducted in Mandarin by YAH! Community College.

 

Embracing the new normal

 

Although Mr Chiang was not particularly savvy with technology, he embraced the challenge and attended his first lesson online via Facebook through his iPad. As the trainer taught in a clear and concise manner, it enabled him to understand various concepts easily. 

 

The course also helped to improve his communication skills with the younger generation such as his adult children. As his children have their own families now, he understands the need for him to adopt an independent mindset and give them the freedom to raise their families. 

 

Rediscovering his interests

 

Mr Chiang found the “Happy 50!” course useful as he now adopts a positive outlook on ageing. Most importantly, the course gave Mr Chiang new insights to how he can delve into his interests to spend his free time more meaningfully. Gradually, Mr Chiang began to settle into a new routine. He uses his tablet to participate in more online talks, exercise videos and talks relating to health and wellness. As he enjoys listening to music, he watches various music shows to keep himself occupied and mentally active while staying indoors at home. 

 

After the circuit breaker period, Mr Chiang resumed his regular visits to the neighbourhood park, either to practise Qi Gong or take a leisure stroll. “It (The circuit breaker period) was a challenge, but also an opportunity for me to rebuild my routine, allowing me to rediscover my interests. I also managed to maintain a healthy and balanced routine,” he shared.

 

Mr Chiang continued: “By knowing what my interests are, it’s easier to find related activities to keep myself occupied. I also believe that it is never too old to learn and it’s a good way to keep ourselves physically and mentally healthy!” 

 

**Special thanks to Mr Chiang Chua Meng who accepted our interview, we wish him all the very best in his lifelong learning journey.