The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, while the sound of pool balls being hit could be heard at a studio apartment block in Bishan Street II, Singapore. The residents of Golden Jasmine, which is a studio apartment project for seniors, have been spending their days at a new hub that is offering activities to keep them busy.
They offer the elderly a chance to get out of their homes and stay active at the pool club, or a Ukulele jamming session, and an offer of coffee made by seniors trained by Baristas.
Mr. Peter Chia who has been playing pool for the past fifty years and is aged 73, was intrigued when word of the hub spread among his neighbours. Mr. Chia, who is a certified pool coach, and has lived in the block for the past 13 years with his wife, presently goes to St. Luke’s ElderCare Active Ageing Hub in Bishan for activities 3 times a week and is the leader of the Centre’s pool club. He said that being a part of these activities is very important at this age as it keeps them from boredom or more serious conditions like dementia as mental health is of vital importance. He said that after playing pool, they head to the nearby coffee shop for a cup of teh tarik, and get to forge friendships and bond together.
Prior to its official opening on Friday, the hub had been operating for almost two years and serves 85% of the 225 residents in the block. Chong Kee Hiong, Bishan-Toa Payoh MP said at the launch that the opening of the hub is timely since it addresses the increasing requirement for quality eldercare services and facilities in the area because the proportion of seniors in the area is higher than the national average.
The hub sees approximately 21 clients for its rehabilitation services and has an operating capacity of 60 for its daycare while its active ageing programme has 400 enrolments to date. Mr. Chong stated that it was encouraging to hear that several families have reported significant improvements in the emotional and physical well-being of their parents and grandparents. In the next year, the hub aims to transition into an Active Ageing Centre, to serve over 3,000 elders in the community.
Prof. Ho Yew Kee, Chairman of St. Luke’s ElderCare said that the ageing population in Singapore is something that should be embraced and that this could be turned into an opportunity to build a country that is an exceptional place for living and ageing. Facilities and amenities like the new hub presently cater to a population that is actively ageing, and not merely to an ageing population, but he added. Ageing can be a very lonely process. We can take away that loneliness by staying active, he added.
We want our elders to live a dignified life that has meaning and purpose since longevity is important, but it is equally important to live a dignified life.
Madam Kamsiah Ali aged 79, moved into the block in 2010 with her husband. After he passed away two years ago, the retiree found that she was spending her days alone in the flat. She now visits the hub 4 times a week to meet her friends and talk to student volunteers who come by host activities. She said that it is so lonely and boring if she stays at home, and that at least by going out she is able to keep her mind active and take care of herself.
