Rediscovering hobbies

“It has been a refreshing experience. My friends at the centre can also draw so well. Everyone is so happy. These art pieces make us feel so special and confident of ourselves. I hope other seniors will continue to pursue what they enjoy in life."

Sometimes, all it takes is a nudge for seniors to step out of their comfort zone to discover new talents and passions in life. Some 30 seniors from TOUCH’s active ageing centres in Yishun did just that during the pandemic when they took part in ‘Our Legacy’ art programme under the WeCare Arts Fund, supported by the North West Community Development Council and the National Arts Council. Their talents were showcased on 19 November 2022 at the launch of the ‘’Our Legacy’ Art Exhibition held at the Yishun Public Library from 19 November to 19 December 2022.

For Mr Tan Yoke Soo, 89, one of TAA’s oldest seniors, it was a dream come true. The octogenarian, who lives alone, has two daughters who live elsewhere. His wife passed on a few years ago.

Mr Tan discovered his love for the arts when he was a teenager. Due to practical reasons, he could only take art classes from art institutions, honing his unique artistic abilities and mastering various art techniques with a special interest in portrait painting. His father had objected to him pursuing a career in the arts.

Caption: Bringing art to life

Caption: Portrait painting using real talents

Mr Tan recalled his last major exhibition which took place in the 1950s. Since then, he did not have the opportunity to further develop his artistic skills.

He was excited when a friend invited him to join the virtual art classes specially organised for seniors at TOUCHpoint@Yishun 436.

Caption: Mr Tan posing with his favourite ‘kueh’ painting at the centre

Caption: Mr Tan (second from left) with seniors displaying their art pieces at the Yishun Public Library

“It has been a refreshing experience. My friends at the centre can also draw so well. Everyone is so happy. These art pieces make us feel so special and confident of ourselves. I hope other seniors will continue to pursue what they enjoy in life,” says Mr Tan.

Story published in 2022
Updated in 2024