AAC IS THE PLACE TO BE!
“Lions Befrienders got me singing and socialising again after 10 years,” said 68-year-old Ruth S Telyb, a senior with LB Active Ageing Centre (AAC) @ Clementi 344, which is one of 10 LB AACs located across the island serving as hubs for seniors to congregate, connect and contribute to the community as they wish.
Ruth, who is also a Senior Volunteer at the AAC, has attributed the centre and its members in getting her out of a solitary lifestyle.
How it started…
In 2022, Ruth walked over to the AAC to enquire more about activities suitable for her to participate in, after being intrigued by an outreach leaflet from the centre that she found at her doorstep. “I was ushered in for an interview session where I learnt more about the AAC.
Impressed, I immediately joined as a member! I was told to start off slow with two exercise slots per week, and then choose to join other activities that are attractive to me,” said Ruth.
Sulaiha Ayob, a Senior Programme Executive at LB AAC @ Clementi 344, reminisced the day she welcomed Ruth to the AAC.
“We would encourage the seniors to sign up for our programmes according to their personality and likes, without any force or pressure.
I remember Madam Ruth didn’t have a smartphone when she joined. I later recommended her to join IMDA’s Senior Go Digital, where the Digital Ambassador helps seniors pick up basic digital skills and knowledge.
She navigated her smartphone well when she made the switch!” said Sulaiha.
Warming up to Technology
Chiming in, Ruth shared that she unexpectedly warmed up to technology and the gadgets that came along with it.
She has also since outgrown her shyness and solitude with the encouragement and support from fellow seniors and staff at the AAC.
“To my surprise, I became more comfortable mingling with people and getting to know them better. Before this, even though I was in acting gigs and singing performances, I rarely spoke to anyone unless I had to. Now, I not only get involved in most of the activities in the AAC, but also coordinate those activities and assist other seniors!” exclaimed Ruth.
Empowering Seniors…
Sulaiha said the team would constantly observe the seniors to discover their many talents, in addition to recognising their need of assistance.
“For Ruth, we knew she was caring for her ailing mother for the past 10 years that drove her to a solitary life, away from the active lifestyle that she once had. We eased her into being active again at our AAC and even enrolled her for a therapeutic art facilitator training,” said Sulaiha, adding that Ruth would be conducting art classes at the AAC as soon as she feels ready.
Sulaiha added that most of the activities at LB AAC @ Clementi 344 are conducted by Senior Volunteers; they are on the pulse of the ongoings in the community and neighbourhood.
These seniors are also empowered to reach out to other seniors who need help, or to refer them to the AAC for further assistance.
Creating a Holistic Environment for Seniors at the AAC…
In line with the Age Well SG national initiative, LB AACs will also strive towards delivering more active ageing programmes focusing on the domains of social, physical health, cognitive, learning and volunteerism.
“At the AAC, we are continuously striving to create a holistic environment where we could bridge the gap between seniors and their ever-evolving needs, plus anticipating their future needs as well,” said Sulaiha.
We hope that these stories would inspire you to reach out and touch the lives of others.
If you would like to share your thoughts on these stories, please feel free to email us at cp@lb.org.sgBe A Volunteer
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