Defying The Odds To Play Chess - Again!

Caption: Helping seniors regain their independence through Reablement

Mr Leong Seng Yip’s love for chess started five decades ago. Even as he grew older, he never stopped playing. Over the past decade, the 84-year-old has been meeting his friends at Blk 85 in Toa Payoh to play chess.  

So, when he had to be admitted to the hospital twice for Ortho-arthritis knees two years ago, Mr Leong was impacted. He was cooped up at home as he was afraid of falling and hurting himself outside.  

Mr Leong was placed on TOUCH Home Care’s (THC) Meals-on-Wheels service as his daughter works full-time and there was no one at home to see to his meals. Recognising his potential for recovery, the staff of THC enrolled him in its Reablement Programme. Funded by the Tote Board Community Health Fund, this programme seeks to promote greater independence and autonomy in the elderly, to empower them to live more active and healthier lives. Supported by care professionals, seniors receive personalised coaching and training to increase their ability and confidence to do the things that matter to them. 

Making every move count 

As one of Mr Leong’s key goals was to resume chess sessions with his friends, THC’s occupational therapist suggested using a motorised aid so that he can travel further. Initially, Mr Leong was not keen on the idea, but with the encouragement from the Reablement team, he gradually gained confidence and began using it to move around his neighbourhood. 

Caption: Helping Mr Leong navigate his route using his mobility wheelchair.

Caption: Mr Leong playing chess with his chess buddy.

Caption: Mr Leong (extreme right) and friends staying socially engaged through chess.

"I never imagined my situation could improve. I want my legs to be stronger so that I can explore more places. My life has improved so much with this motorised wheelchair," says Mr Leong, who used to be particularly afraid of the lift doors closing on him too quickly. 

“Mr Leong is a good example of a motivated senior who knows what he wants and goes all out to achieve it. Being able to reconnect with friends to play chess is important to him. He does not want to trouble his daughter and prefers to settle his own things,” says Reablement Coordinator Ms Lynette Liew. “We are glad to see him resuming his fatherly role of buying dinner for his daughter and this means a lot to him.”  

Overcoming physical setbacks and staying socially engaged

With improved mobility, Mr Leong has also started to join the activities at an Active Ageing Centre near his home. They include taking part in Karaoke sessions, learning English and exercising with other seniors.  

Caption: Mr Leong (second from right) enjoys spending his time meaningfully at Care Corner Active Ageing Centre in Toa Payoh.

Caption: Mr Leong buying bread for his daughter on one of his grocery runs. 

“We accompanied Mr Leong on his route to the AAC and journeyed with him until he has settled down and made friends. Whether it is practising the route to the market with him or to the Active Ageing Centre, we will always update his daughter so that she can encourage her father as well to pursue his new-found independence,” adds Ms Liew. 

“It is easier for Mr Leong to reintegrate into the community as he already has friends there. That helps!” 

“Before my father joined the Reablement Programme, he was stuck at home. I had to do everything for him like preparing his meals. I am glad to see him going out again and doing the things he enjoys, like playing chess! He is so much happier now and I will try to encourage him to join more activities to stay socially engaged,” says Ms Leong Meifong, who is her father’s primary caregiver.

Caption: Mr Leong is well placed to age actively and independently in his community in his golden years.

When asked what he hopes to tell other seniors, Mr Leong shares, “Be happy to learn and do not give up. It is good to have a hobby. It helps to stimulate your mind and keeps you active.” 

If you know of anyone who can benefit from TOUCH's Reablement Programme, please call 6661 0829 or email touch.reablement@touch.org.sg or visit click here.   

---

Story published in 2024