Eldercare Programme

First Outing in 2020 — Ang Bao Treasure Hunt & Sentosa Trip

Just like every other festival, Sunehri Saheliaan members embraced the Chinese New Year spirit in the first week of 2020! On the 4th of February, at 7.30am, 71 seniors excitedly arrived at Central Sikh Temple.

Split into two groups, one group proceeded to East Coast for “The Ang Bao Treasure Hunt” while the second group embarked on an exhilarating day-trip to Sentosa. Mrs Sarjit Kaur Khosa, member of SIWEC’s Management Committee and volunteer leader of SIWEC’s active ageing programme, together with her devoted volunteer team had once again successfully organized a wondrous day for the seniors to enjoy!

{gallery}newsletter-images/2020-May/eldercare-central:330:330:0:0::Elegant{/gallery}

Ang Bao Treasure Hunt

Life is a treasure hunt and the gallant seniors made it a hunt of much delight. To honour the Chinese New Year tradition, the treasure hunt was aptly named “Ang Bao Treasure Hunt.” Mrs Sarjit shared, “The Ang Bao Treasure Hunt was inspired by one of our volunteers who had attended another treasure hunt activity.”

Upon reaching the venue, the participants partook in some exercises, such as brisk walking, led by a Health Promotion Board (HPB) instructor. Then, they were divided into groups for the game. Each group had to hunt for 10 Ang Bao packets hidden at several spots, such as under a rock, behind a tree, etc.

The packets consisted of questions regarding lifestyle, which the participants had to answer as a group. The trick to winning the prize was to be the first group to answer all the questions. A great amount of zeal and sportsmanship was observed amongst the participants.

{gallery}newsletter-images/2020-May/eldecare-eastcoast:350:350:0:2::Elegant{/gallery}

The happy bunch of seniors returned to Central Sikh Temple after the prize-giving ceremony, where light refreshments were served. Thereafter, they made their way to the level 4 conference room, where senior members who did not attend the outing joined them for the next activity.

From the feedbacks requesting another outing to the same venue, Sunehri Saheliaan volunteers felt affirmed and overjoyed that they helped revive the seniors’ childhood memories.

The day ended on a high note with a laughter yoga session, a sharing of cooking experiences and an engaging quiz.

Sentosa Day Trip

Sentosa never fails to make a Singaporean feel like they’re away from home without actually leaving the country! This was what the volunteers had hoped when leading the second group of 38 participants, as they left for Sentosa Siloso Point in the early morning.

Upon arriving at the venue, a trainer from HPB led the group with Zumba Gold exercises in the cool breeze.

Our seniors then challenged themselves along the treetop trail at the newly built Fort Siloso Skywalk, towering at 11 storeys high and stretching for 181 metres long. The scorching sun proved no barrier as they happily took it on, enjoying posing for photos midway and taking in the breathtaking views.

The senior members were also in awe of the larger-than-life coastal guns at the end of the walk and the chatter of excitement got much louder when they reached the Madam Tussauds Museum. They were thrilled to pose with wax statues of prominent personalities like Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Mahatma Gandhi, Queen Elizabeth, President Obama, and many famous Bollywood celebrities.

{gallery}newsletter-images/2020-May/eldercare-sentosa:200:200:0:2::Elegant{/gallery}

The last activity on the itinerary was the “Spirit of Singapore Boat Ride”, where the group rode through a unique and stunning themed tribute to Singapore’s rich identity and people. The breathtaking ride was enjoyable although most of the seniors felt it was too short!

Later, while some seniors were fatigued and chose to rest, others were game to watch the “Images of Singapore Live” show where they rediscovered the colourful story of Singapore’s development from a fishing village to a 21st century economic powerhouse. They were walked through a Malay Village, where an actor told them about the good old days and enlightened them about the story on how Singapore was found. Our seniors truly enjoyed the engaging, interactive show.

Closing the momentous day, they returned to Central Sikh Temple and happily headed home after lunch with a bagful of exciting memories!

Effects of COVID-19 Outbreak on the Eldercare Programme

The very next day, after guidance from MOH stipulating that seniors were best advised to stay home to safeguard their well-being due to COVID-19, Mrs Sarjit and her team made the decision to postpone their weekly programme until the authorities considered it suitable for seniors to leave home safely.

With the imposition of more stringent circuit breaker measures, the committed team of Sunehri Saheliaan volunteers continues to keep in contact with their member-participants via phone and video calls.

“They regularly receive videos of simple exercise routines from the volunteers, which can be performed in the comfort of their homes. They are also urged to continue practising various exercises they learnt from attending laughter yoga, Zumba and stretch band exercise classes previously,” said Mrs Jasbir Kaur.

“Our participants fervently exchange recipes with the volunteers and each other in anticipation of the recipe book, which will be unveiled by Sunehri Saheliaan this year. They continue to keep in touch virtually but they all impatiently await for the circuit measures to be eased so that their programme can resume, as they would love to meet their friends to chit chat and create more joyous memories together,” said Mdm Sarjit.