Helping others stay fit

“The needs are there in the community. If you go out, make more friends, see more things, know your neighbours by name, you become aware of what’s happening around you. We need to be kind and compassionate. These are values which I impart to my children.”

When the pandemic disrupted Mdm Goh Choo Eng’s group exercise sessions with Geylang Bahru residents, she was disappointed. The 62-year-old fitness enthusiast exercises daily, rain or shine. She had found a group of residents who would exercise together with her, following her moves and stretches.

Not long after, Mdm Goh noticed that TOUCHpoint@Geylang Bahru, an Active Ageing Centre (AAC) located opposite her block, had started to resume some activities in line with safe management measures.

“I felt so energised seeing the seniors exercising together. Everyone feels so comfortable with one another. While I can exercise with my other group of residents I thought why not join these seniors too. That was when I realised I had so much to contribute. The seniors also know me. I am a familiar face here,” says Mdm Goh with a smile.

After three sessions, Mdm Goh was approached by AAC staff to see if she was keen to help lead some of the sessions. 

A volunteer and health advocate

Caption: Mdm Goh leading the seniors in an exercise session

Caption: Mdm Goh (middle) and James (right) helping seniors keep fit during the pandemic

Caption: Forging new friendships in Geylang Bahru

Caption: Serving together – Mdm Goh (left) and AAC staff Mr James Lee (right)

“I have been living in Geylang Bahru for a decade and I have always wanted to serve my community. I shared with my family members and they were very supportive. I am fortunate to have learnt these exercise techniques which I have mastered over the years from my exercise coach. I am glad they can be put to good use. It helps that I am a senior. When seniors see me exercising, they know they can do it too,” adds Mdm Goh.

As a homemaker with three grown up children and with time on her hands, Mdm Goh feels she should spend her time meaningfully. “The needs are there in the community. If you go out, make more friends, see more things, know your neighbours by name, you become aware of what’s happening around you. We need to be kind and compassionate. These are values which I impart to my children,” says Mdm Goh.

To pay it forward, Mdm Goh is keen to become a befriender to reach out to isolated seniors during this pandemic.

Caption: Building good relations with neighbours

“Exercise makes our brains healthy; it makes us think. When the seniors know me better, I tell them ‘It’s ok, I am with you. Don’t worry, I will help you slowly – just follow me,” Mdm Goh shares. “I tell my neighbours ‘Come! Come!’ This is why so many seniors have come to AAC. This is like a big family!” To pay it forward, Mdm Goh keeps herself busy as a volunteer, reaching out to isolated seniors and helping out at events and activities.

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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 2022
Updated in 2024