Staying Active at Tzu Chi’s Seniors Engagement and Enabling Node
In June this year, two eldercare centres were established by Tzu Chi Singapore in Jurong West and Bukit Batok, respectively. They mainly serve senior residents living in the studio apartments in the vicinity. The facilities and activities provided by the centres include various physical exercises, mind & wellness games, art & craft classes, calligraphy classes, etc. The elderly are also welcome to read books and newspapers at the centre and chat with others. Hence, instead of staying at home alone for long hours, they are able to stay in touch with the outside world and enliven their golden years.
NS: 6, 7, 8, 9, Peng (Barbeque) Sa-tay… 11, 12, 13, 14, Teh Ta-rik
“Incorporating” delicacies into this movement activity makes it more fun. Combining physical and mental strength training, the activity allows the elderly to work on their muscles, thus delaying frailty.
Resident: It seems that the movements are customized to suit us, as they are not too intense.
Resident: The exercises are rather simple; anyone can do them. There is no one at home to urge me to exercise. Take running for example. I’d give up after a while. But over here, we’re asked to run for 1-2 min. I find that this is good. I feel happier when I’m doing it with everyone.
The Tzu Chi Seniors Engagement and Enabling Node in Jurong West and Bukit Batok, which opened in June, is abbreviated as “SEEN”. These eldercare centres enable seniors residing in the studio apartments in the area to receive care and love at old age.
Tzu Chi’s Head of Medical Services, Dr. Edwin Lim：The full name for SEEN is Seniors Engagement and Enabling Node, which aims to engage the elderly by encouraging them to socialise and do something, instead of staying at home the whole day.
Resident: I’ve lived here for 30 years and there was no such centre in the past. The establishment of this centre is good for us. It is like a sanctuary for us. Staying at home all day is boring, and I don’t feel like doing household chores, because the chores are endless.
Resident: I would be facing the four walls when I’m alone at home, so I came down to take a look.
Resident: It’s a place where I can chat with people and share about happy things.
Instead of feeling bored at home, the seniors can go downstairs to make new friends and learn new knowledge. The various activities held by SEEN are something they look forward to every day.
Resident:If I’m coming here, I’ll finish my housework earlier so that I can take part in the activities. (Before coming to this centre, what were you doing at this time?)Playing with my smart phone
Tzu Chi’s Head of Medical Services, Dr. Edwin Lim ：We will be doing ABC too, which stands for Active Aging, Befriending and Care & Support, especially for those who are living alone, by giving them a space to spend time and do something meaningful.
Both of the eldercare centres have been operating for two months, serving around 50 people daily. They help enrich the body and mind of the elderly and enliven their golden years.
