From Classroom to Community

For Dr Sng Bee Bee who first started volunteering with seniors as a young adult, being able to do so again in her golden years has been an enriching experience.

After spending four decades training teachers and University students in communication skills, the 62-year-old part-time lecturer now spends her time leading an active lifestyle by doing volunteer work.

It all started when Dr Sng’s sister first brought her 76-year-old mother-in-law, who has diabetes, to TOUCHpoint@Wellington 513, an Active Ageing Centre, to exercise. Dr Sng joined them as she lives nearby.

“At that time, I suffered from musculoskeletal issues. I realised the Centre conducts weekly stretch band exercises, which was what I needed to address my muscle aches. It was there that I befriended Michelle who works at the Centre. When she learnt that I did translation work in my previous job, for students doing their Masters programme who needed help in English, she asked me right away if I could be a translator for the Centre’s Nutrition Interest Group,” says Dr Sng.

Applying Skills to Give Back 

Since then, Dr Sng has kept herself busy by exercising with seniors and stepping in as a translator and co-facilitator for the Nutrition Interest Group set up by TOUCHpoint@Wellington 513, in collaboration with National Healthcare Group (NHG) – Population Health Campus. Currently, she accompanies her sister’s mother-in-law to “Say No To Frailty”, a 12-week programme designed by Singapore Institute of Technology and conducted by TOUCHpoint@Wellington 513. Looking ahead, Dr Sng intends to facilitate the programme, in Mandarin next year, to support the frail seniors from the Mandarin-speaking community.   

Caption: Dr Sng (first from right) staying healthy with seniors from TOUCHpoint@Wellington 513.

Caption: Dr Sng facilitating a supermarket educational session for a Nutrition Interest Group.

Caption: Dr Sng volunteering as a co-facilitator at a health session conducted by a Senior Dietitian from NHG (Population Health Campus).

“All my life’s work has been with young people. Unlike them, most seniors did not have the privilege of getting an education when they were young. At this stage in life, I can give more to the needy. I thought why not channel my energy to do something meaningful,” says Dr Sng, who has taken on new volunteer roles at TOUCHpoint@Wellington 513.

“We wanted more seniors to benefit from our Nutrition sessions, but we could only run them in English. Then came Dr Sng, who is effectively bilingual. I am glad that we could tap on her communication expertise to facilitate workshops and train our seniors to be effective facilitators. It was a good match of skills,” says Ms Sandy Goh, Centre Manager, TOUCHpoint@Wellington 513.

Dr Sng feels seniors can be trained to be ‘resources’ and effective volunteers. They can learn to sharpen their interpersonal and communication skills. With some practice, they can be small group facilitators.   

Using Talents to Benefit Others 

Rotating with three other senior volunteers to teach crafts every month, Dr Sng has been imparting her Chinese brush painting skills to some 20 seniors.

“It has been a learning journey for me. Unlike teaching youths where you can be quick, with seniors you need to slow down. Simplify what you teach. Take baby steps. Seniors are very appreciative. They volunteered to clean up after the lessons without me asking. They all want to contribute,” says Dr Sng. “They value me for who I am as a person.” 

Caption: Dr. Sng teaching Chinese brush painting, a skill she has honed for two decades.

Caption: Mdm Yap Sew Chin, 86, learning Chinese Brush Painting with Dr Sng (left).

Caption: Dr Sng manning the Chinese Brush Painting booth at the Mid-Autumn Festival community event at Canberra Community Club.

Dr Sng believes that the AAC can be a place where lives can be transformed. She shared that if seniors can be empowered to help themselves, they will gain confidence. “I recall that there was this caregiver who shared that she felt overwhelmed caring for her bed-ridden husband. But after connecting with others in the Centre and staying active, you can see positive changes in her. She now wears ear rings, puts on make-up and takes care of herself. She’s chatty and feels happier,” Dr Sng adds.

There are many individuals like Dr Sng who can continue to contribute to society to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people around them. Through our AACs, TOUCH is passionate about partnering them to bring out both their potential and that of the seniors in the community. 

---

TOUCH runs five Active Ageing Centres (AACs) located in Ang Mo Kio, Geylang Bahru, Wellington and Yishun. AACs serve all seniors living within the neighbourhood, and act as a go-to-point to receive timely access to quality care. Our AACs are supported by TOUCH’s trans-disciplinary team of eldercare specialists, leveraging community resources to achieve long-term wellness to prevent and delay frailty, and to help seniors age well in the community.     

Story published in 2024.