Equipped to serve

“In the past, I did not have the chance to volunteer. Deep down inside me, I have always wanted to help others. Volunteering gives you immense joy. I can’t describe it. It’s something that you must experience for yourself.”

At 74, Mr Lee Yue Choi, is a familiar face at TOUCHpoint@AMK 433. He drops by the facility almost every other day to take part in activities, meet friends and to volunteer. His wife, Mdm Tan Bee Leng, also joins him for some of the activities.

Being kind to others comes naturally to Mr Lee. As a private tutor teaching Mathematics for more than 40 years, Mr Lee cares for his students and always tries his best to help them succeed in life. Although he has retired, he still keeps in touch with many of his ex-students.

Finding purpose in life

In the same spirit, Mr Lee has a soft spot for vulnerable seniors. Two years ago, when he found out about the work at TOUCHpoint@AMK 433 located at his block, he was thrilled. His experience attending the Digitally Ready Seniors programme conducted by TOUCH's cyber wellness coaches saw the start of his volunteering journey with TOUCH as a cyber wellness mentor.

Caption: Mr and Mrs Lee spending their time meaningfully at TOUCHpoint@AMK 433

“In the past, I did not have the chance to volunteer. Deep down inside me, I have always wanted to help others. Volunteering gives you immense joy. I can’t describe it. It’s something that you must experience for yourself,” says Mr Lee.

As a befriender, Mr Lee watches over 83-year-old Mr HM Phang who lives at the next block. “I have learnt to be patient because he has dementia. I feel happy when I see his bright smile. I try to get him out of his home so that he can mingle with the rest of the residents at TOUCHpoint. It’s good for him,” Mr Lee adds.

Empowered and equipped to serve

When Covid-19 struck, Mr Lee was worried about the needs of vulnerable residents. Being more digitally savvy, he took the initiative to help other seniors navigate their smart phones and encouraged them to try out virtual platforms like Google Meet and Zoom. He also readily shared TOUCHpoint News on What’sApp with other seniors.   

“There are so many things you can do online to occupy your time meaningfully. Seniors can also use the various digital platforms to exercise, chat with fellow friends, catch up with their family members through WhatsApp video calls. It makes life more enriching,” says Mr Lee.

Caption: Mr Lee helping to bridge the digital divide

Caption: Mr Lee exercising with residents on virtual platforms

Mr Lee believes in equipping himself with knowledge and skills that will enable him to enjoy a better quality of life. He has attended a range of health and wellness talks organised by TOUCH. He has also learnt about diabetes care and prevention through the Diabetes Peer Support Group. Together with other residents, Mr Lee would also go for weekly walks as part of the Walk2Remember campaign to stay healthy and promote dementia awareness.

“Knowing all these useful knowledge is a plus factor for me. It makes me more confident and I just want to share with others so that they can enjoy the fullness of life,” Mr Lee adds.

Caption: Serving from the heart during the pandemic

Today, Mr Lee is also a Meals-On-Wheels (MOW) volunteer leader who meets volunteers who turn up to deliver meals. He builds rapport and shares with them TOUCH's services in supporting the needs of seniors in the community.

Like Mr Lee, seniors can continue to enjoy their golden years and lead purposeful lives.

#EveryoneCanBeSomeone

Story published in 2021
Updated in 2024