In a society with an ageing population, what can we as youths, do to contribute? Kennice Foo learns more at Youth Corps Singapore’s first Senior-Savvy event.
Being in their shoes
It’s not something we see every day – Young adults hunched over the cardboard pieces they grasp in their hands, slowly advancing towards the stairs. One by one trail behind each other in a line, gingerly making their way up. One hand holds onto the handrails firmly to prevent from falling, another clutching their rounded backs. The smooth planes of their faces contort, sweat gradually forming. It’s not an easy feat.
This is not foreign sight for the organisers of Camp Hiro. The social enterprise conducts Ageing Simulations for the youths to better understand what it’s like in a day in the life of the elderly. Someday, everybody grows old. In time to come, it’ll be our turn.
Equipping ourselves with relevant skills
“We didn’t only want to provide volunteering opportunities, but to further youth’s abilities to engage with seniors meaningfully. That would come in the form of changing mindsets and providing them with the right tools and skills,” shared Shereen Ng, one of the organisers of Senior-Savvy.
Together with Shereen is a group of 10 volunteers. They are equally passionate about all things seniors. They form the Youth Corps Eldercare Cluster and Senior Savvy is their first event to increase awareness about the eldercare sector. Activities included dialect lessons, wheelchair workshops and talks such as dementia, challenging ageism, communicating effectively with seniors and re-igniting the Kampong spirit.
Participants get a taste of how it’s like to push and be pushed; “Hands on Wheels” workshop conducted by St Joseph Nursing Home.
Breaking stereotypes and changing perceptions
A memorable activity was the ‘5BX Challenge with Team Strong Silvers‘. Over 20 young adults tried to keep up with a trio of strong seniors in a battle of fitness – two sets of cardio-drilling, push-ups, spider planks, lunges, squats and burpees. At the end of the challenge, the youths in the room were exhausted, catching their breath. trying to catch their breath but Team Strong Silvers didn’t even break a sweat! Wew!
“Through this challenge, we hope that it can break stereotypes and everyone can see each other as equals, no matter our age. [Seniors] have the ability to do the things young people can do too,”
– Robert Ho, 47, a coordinator at an eldercare centre.
This aligns with becoming more senior savvy – changing our perceptions and refraining from stereotyping.
Among the young adults, 70-year-old Sheila Ng stands tall and proud, doing the exercises with much vigour. She smiles bashfully as she explains why she likes to exercise. “Because I’m vain,” she admits with a hearty chuckle. “I want to stay slim, keep fit and be healthy. I like to meet youngsters and interact with them as well.” Clad in a black polo tee, jeans and a bright floral cap, she sure isn’t your typical grandmother!
Starting a conversation, sharing companionship
There are many other interesting seniors like Sheila out there who have stories to share and joy to spread. After all, they’ve been young before. To get to know their experiences and life lessons, starting a conversation is all that is needed.
We may be deterred by barriers like language, but Eleanor Yap, the founder of Ageless Online and speaker for “Effective Communication with Seniors” at Senior-Savvy believes that shouldn’t stop us from striking up a conversation.
“It doesn’t even have to be a conversation you share, but companionship. Bring something that they like to eat, ask them about their past. Don’t look at age with intimidation. Get to know the people around you, the people in your community. The more you know about your community, the more you feel like you belong,”
Shereen shares what she likes and dislikes about seniors during the “Effective Communication with Seniors” workshop. Eleanor believes being completely honest by writing out what youths feel about seniors and vice versa is the first step to good communication.
Participants striking up a conversation with seniors at the “Effective Communication with Seniors” workshop.
Through Senior-Savvy, I learnt that ageism exists even in subtlest ways. For example, the phrase “help the elderly” is commonly used, but the thing is, seniors don’t always need help.
It’s important for us to partake in such events because we as youths can do so much more to contribute to this society and to build a more inclusive and compassionate environment. Who doesn’t want to live in a place filled with love and care?
As Mark Twain said,
“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
