INSPIRING STORIES

Hand in Hand, Heart to Heart:
A Mother-Daughter Journey

Some bonds are unbreakable. For Mdm. Teo, 98, and her daughter Mdm. Ruth, 78, life has been a journey of resilience, love, and unwavering support. From surviving World War II to overcoming personal hardships, their story is a testament to the strength of family.

At Lions Befrienders, they have found more than just a senior centre—they have found a home. A place where laughter, companionship, and heartfelt care continue to uplift them every day.

Coming Full Circle: From Young Volunteer to Senior Hero

From a young volunteer in the 1980s to a guiding light for seniors today, Mr. Lim Beng Hong’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact of service and connection.

After a successful corporate career and years of caregiving for his wife, Mr. Lim rediscovered his passion for volunteering at Lions Befrienders Active Aging Centre. Now, he spends his days playing games, volunteering and sharing stories with seniors, proving that true fulfillment comes from giving back.

Percussions of the Heart

Aging and caregiving don’t have to be isolating. Mr. Tan Kee Liam’s journey shows how Lions Befrienders can transform lives. From caregiving to percussion drumming, he’s found a new rhythm—one filled with joy, friendship, and fun. Come and be part of a community that celebrates every stage of life.

A Life Woven with Love

“Just come!”

In a disconnected world, Kaiyati chose connection. At Lions Befrienders, she stitches more than crafts—she weaves bonds of friendship, purpose, and belonging.

From caregiving to creating a WhatsApp group for seniors, her story proves that even in her later years, she has so much to give

“Don’t look so sombong. Just say ‘hi’—it means so much.”

Endless Giving

“I’ll keep volunteering, until I am no longer able to do so!” Those were the resolute words of Mdm Teow Swee Cheow back in 2021 during a media interview with CNA, which featured her as LB’s oldest-serving Senior Volunteer.

Then, she would often be seen out and about on two wheels, cycling from one flat to the next as a Befriender to chat with fellow seniors and check in on their well-being – something she had been steadfastly doing for the last 20 years, until the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed her volunteering activity.

Now at the venerable age of 92, how has Mdm Teow been doing?

Reigniting his Passion after 20 Years

Firmly grasping the microphone, a deep voice escapes the lips and envelops the onlookers during the regular karaoke session at the LB AAC @ Bendemeer 32.

Concentrating and embodying the song, LB senior Tan See Ching, 79, with his eyes squeezed shut, croons and sways to the song’s beat as always, on point with his showmanship.

The former nightclub singer still commands the attention of the crowd after 61 years of singing, albeit with a slightly softer voice now after suffering a mild stroke last year…

Going Digital as a Way of Life

“I love gadgets and I am always eager to learn how to use them even when it is challenging for me!” quipped 77-year-old senior Phyllis Cheok when asked about her I’M-OK tablet.

She said she was particularly excited about how she could monitor her health without having to leave the comfort of her home.

“LB issued me some devices with the tablet, including one that would measure my blood pressure, and a weighing machine that would also calculate my bone density, heart rate, BMI, body fat, and even my muscle mass, among others.”

A Touch Of Kindness Goes A Long Way

As we grow older, we try to be prepared for the unknown, but how prepared can we actually be?

Hence, having a reliable pillar of support, especially in those golden years of your life is essential…

Discover how Abu Alias Man Jalil, 89, navigates the last leg of his life with the assistance of his caregiver Ernie Haryanti Aman who ensures he ages in place comfortably, confidently, and in a dignified manner.

Wired for Music

If you happen to live in Bendemeer or its vicinity, you might probably call to mind a towering performer dressed as Sun Wu Kong exhibiting deft and agile moves during the Mid-Autumn Festival!

This performer is none other than Tan Guan Keng, 80, a LB senior volunteer!

Poised and confident, he would effortlessly command the stage, captivating his fellow seniors with his performances.

Turning Adversity into Opportunity

Have you met someone who wears only handstitched clothing?

Meet LB senior Loi Kok Jong, 100, who has been sewing and wearing only her own clothing since young up to now!

The centenarian who migrated to Singapore from China in her late 20s, grew up in adversity and used to work hard labour in harsh conditions at farms at a young age.

Sewing with a Cause

What do you do when you are exceptionally skilled with needlework?

This group of aunties at the LB AAC @Tampines 494E gets together to sew a myriad of merchandise to be sold, and the proceeds are channeled to the AAC.

It was surprising to see them volunteering to raise funds for the AAC instead of profiting from their strenuous work which comes with long hours!

He’s a Runner, He’s a Track Star

When you’ve got a goal and the grit, you can achieve anything. Age, like the old cliché saying, is anything but just numeric!

And that’s exactly what the new kid on the block at LB AAC @ BDR 32 did. Did we also mention that he’s 80 years old and has 137 medals and 5 trophies!

Or the fact that he also won a bronze medal for long jump at the age of 75?

Willing Hearts

Navigating a hospital alone can be scary for some, especially seniors who can only communicate in their native language…

Senior Chan Chin Yeong, 76, knows the feeling all too well. She used to struggle alone with the daunting tasks of navigating through registration, one-on-one consultation, and even medicine collection during her medical appointments!

Determination, Dedication & Drive!

Imagine spending your life alone, thinking that the world is an unsafe place, and no one is to be trusted…

These thoughts imprisoned Soon Lay Kim, 71, in her home for more than a decade long where she’d only go out for work, buy food, and not interact with anyone fearing that anything untoward might happen..

He is in Control!

Have you ever come across someone who has a “remote control” to manage their brain activity?

Looking at the steady hands during his pottery class, or his effortless strolling during brisk walks, one could never tell that Mr Goh is a person with a disease that is known to cause tremors and unsteadiness in its patients.

Love Transcends Memories

After a long, distinguished career in the maritime industry, Mr. Wong was ready to embark on the next stage of life with his wife. But this seemingly perfect arrangement was relatively short-lived when Mr. Wong received a piece of news that would shift his world.

Our Senior Champion

With his natural affinity for connecting with fellow seniors, Mr Goh cuts a popular figure at the centre. His jovial personality and penchant for cracking jokes have often helped to liven up the atmosphere, encouraging greater participation in the AAC programmes.

Personalised Pillars of Support

A friend in need is a friend indeed. That is what senior Leong Mui, 92, feels each time Alyxandrea Xu, a Case Manager with LB’s Community Case Management Service (CCMS) team, comes over for her routine visits.