I Feel Young SG

Along with others at Bethesda CARE Centre, he started a community garden from scratch and is now teaching others how to do the same!

Noah Teo, a semi-retired senior, is truly a master of all trades. As a student, he studied engineering and computer science while also establishing fulfilling careers in the manufacturing and banking industries. After retiring from his full-time job, he continues to explore new things, including those that allow him to contribute back to society. This inspired him to kickstart a community garden at the centre.

In 1968, Noah started to help out with his family’s farm, and that’s where his interest in plants began. When asked what he enjoys about gardening, he exclaimed that the vegetables taste better when he grows them himself!

Today, he has taken it upon himself to share the joy of gardening with others as well. He loves how other senior volunteers who are passionate about gardening often come down to the community garden to learn more from him and also take part in other activities at the Active Ageing Centre. Through this hobby, Noah has met many new friends with whom he interacts with regularly.

Noah not only mentors other seniors but also shares his knowledge with young volunteers who help out at the community garden! Having more hands around to help him with the garden brings him great joy as he gets to explore many types of plants that he can grow in the garden.

Noah’s commitment to bringing together a community of plant-lovers is indeed heartwarming. His efforts have not only led to a wonderful garden for all but also fostered a sense of togetherness and shared purpose amongst the youth and seniors.

It was a snap back in time for our seniors 📷

A close-knit group of seniors from Sasco Café West Coast Active Ageing Centre put their digital skills to work as they explored an app that utilises cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) technology, called Locomole, to navigate their way around the historical Kampong Glam area.

Locomole allowed the seniors to embark on a self-guided experiential trail using only their mobile devices. With real-time location and mapping functions, the seniors could move easily around the area with AR wayfinding. They could also access detailed narration on specific sites along the trail through the app!

The seniors definitely enjoyed their day out as they moved from site to site, soaking in the culture and history of each location. From visiting the Sultan Mosque to browsing the traditional street shops, the seniors were even able to take cool selfies of themselves and upload them to the app for sharing. It was very heartwarming to see the seniors try out the latest tech instead of shying away from it - some seniors even helped the others to navigate the features too.

What a day of learning for these seniors as they embrace the spirit of lifelong learning!

Did you know that Singapore is set to become a 'super-aged' society by 2026? This means that 21% or more Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above!

The Lions Befrienders Conference 2024 was held last Friday. This annual event aims to bring awareness to the ever-changing needs of seniors in our community. This year, professionals from the eldercare and healthcare industries got to learn more about how various local organisations are gearing up to meet the potential challenges of a 'super-aged' society.

From measures to promote longevity, community-driven activities to improving employability of seniors, it was definitely an insightful event for everyone 🌟

Mdm Saemah, 65, is a seasoned caregiver of more than 10 years! 🌟

Having previously cared for her late father-in-law and mother-in-law, she is now dedicated to caring for her husband who suffered a stroke in 2011.

Even though her husband depends heavily on her for his daily needs, Mdm Saemah continues to approach life with resilience and selflessness.

"The most challenging part is that he finds it difficult to understand me sometimes and I have to keep repeating what I say so he will not misunderstand me."

She admits that being a caregiver requires a lot of patience but she also recognises how important it is to take care of herself.

Mdm Saemah visits Bethesda CARE Centre Active Ageing Centre almost every day and she has found it to be a place where she can relax while learning new things. Her favourite activities include paper quilling as well as zumba. These activities help to enrich her life while allowing her to meet other seniors.

To all caregivers who may be struggling, she advises them to stay positive and to "take it easy".

Let's continue conversations about palliative care. Check out this touching story from Alan Pek, 59, who was a caregiver for his late father.

"My late papa was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer but he managed to outlive expectations by more than three years.

We didn't really have a close relationship though papa adored my two daughters. My younger girl is neurodivergent so it was great to have my papa dote on her. Papa and myself managed to build a meaningful bond in the last few years of his life.

I have Cerebral Palsy and was brought up by a foster family, thus, papa and myself only saw each other during Chinese New Year celebrations.

I began to accompany him in and out of hospital when he was first diagnosed and also for his subsequent follow-ups and blood tests. I also made sure that he got the chance to see family as I ferried my family members to and fro to be with him. It wasn't easy as my papa had a very volatile temper at times.

Later on, he didn't want to affect my work and went for treatments on his own. I would still accompany him for important appointments with the main oncologist. On numerous occasions when he had to be warded, my brother and myself together managed those emergencies as well.

Seeing him aged and faded, hurt me. But, it enabled us to bridge our connection.

He preferred to work though I wanted to provide for him. I fulfilled his last wish by getting him his last job at a coffee shop. The day he fell at work, I rushed to see him. He had a stroke and could no longer sit straight nor verbalise words.

I met his eyes as the paramedics put him on the ambulance and shouted, "Papa, don't worry!". Due to Covid restrictions, we were unable to accompany him to the hospital and were not able to catch his last words.

However, I am glad we made the effort to spend quality time and build many lasting memories together in the last few years of his life when I was caring for him.

It has been more than three years since that farewell. In memory of my beloved late papa."

She's as savvy as can be 🌟

Mdm Esah Ali, 64, goes on TikTok, uses chatGPT and even teaches other seniors how to be as digitally-savvy as she is!

Her inspiration to keep up with the digital trends stems from her various encounters with online scams. She has even partnered with the Singapore Police Force on Project PRAISE which strives to keep the community free from scams.

Read more about Mdm Esah and Project PRAISE in the link below!

Tech-savvy grandma finds her mission helping other seniors stay safe online The 64-year-old says she enjoys learning and equipping herself with new skills so she can share them with others through volunteer activities. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Retirement didn't stop Mr Chandran from keeping mentally and physically fit! From clocking 10,000 steps a day to participating in chair zumba classes at the SASCO@WestCoast Active Ageing Centre (CARE), Mr Chandran isn't slowing down any time soon 🏃🏾‍♂️

Read more about how Mr Chandran keeps himself healthy after retirement at the link below!

Clocking 10,000 steps to chair Zumba: Even glaucoma can’t stop 77-year-old from staying active The retiree signs up for fitness classes for seniors to help him stay not just physically fit but mentally and socially engaged too. Read more at straitstimes.com.

"Family relationships provide a sense of belonging. It is so important to maintain close bonds with family because everyone needs a support system."

Mdm Chong Wah Hwa, 65, is a retiree and a caregiver for her husband, who suffered a stroke almost a decade ago. Apart from caring for her husband's needs and looking after her grandchildren when her daughter is at work, she is often an enthusiastic participant of the activities at SASCO@West Coast Active Ageing Centre [Care].

With many responsibilities to juggle, Mdm Chong finds fulfillment in the simple pleasures of life, especially the moments that she gets to share with her grandkids! On Monday mornings, Mdm Chong heads over to her daughter's home to take care of her two grandsons. On Friday evenings, she goes back home to spend time with her husband over the weekend. When asked what she enjoys most about taking care of the boys, she speaks fondly about how she brings them grocery shopping and loves to teach them about the ingredients she uses when she cooks.

She also takes pride in sharing her knowledge with her grandsons by teaching them simple things, from reading to counting numbers. If they get bored, she engages them by singing songs with them or playing games.

Mdm Chong acknowledges that being a grandparent is different from being a parent because she has to respect her daughter's preferences when raising the children. This is when communication becomes key. It may be challenging at times, especially when the boys fall sick. However, Mdm Chong's close relationship with her daughter and their frequent check-ins have helped them to get on the same page on how to care for the two boys.

She believes that seniors will always have a role to play in guiding the younger generation because of their life experiences, and she hopes one day her two grandsons will grow up to be role models for future generations as well.

Did you know? In Singapore, 3 out of every 1,000 people aged 50 years and above have Parkinson's Disease (PD).

April 11 marks World Parkinson’s Disease Day, so let's help to raise awareness on this debilitating disease. While PD can affect anyone, it is more prevalent amongst seniors. For now, PD remains an incurable condition but raising awareness of the condition can lead to medical breakthroughs to give patients hope ☀️

Check out some common myths about the disease to be debunked.

If you or your loved ones have experience dealing with this debilitating disease, feel free to share some of your myths with us!

's