Caption: Mdm Dhanalaxmi expressing herself through hand gestures
Over the past year, the Covid-19 pandemic has upended the lives of many Singaporeans. Regular routines have been disrupted due to restrictions and safe distancing measures, further impacting the mental health of caregivers and seniors.
To help senior residents stay active and mentally well, TOUCH Community Services has stepped up efforts and collaborated with community partners to teach them how to navigate their smart phones and stay connected on virtual platforms. Donated iPads were also loaned to seniors to engage them in mind stimulating activities at home. An example is the “Picturing Dance” Workshop led by arts educator and practitioner, Ms Susan Yeung, where 10 residents had the opportunity to interact, support and encourage one another while sharing their thought process and creative personal stories.
Caption: Residents observing and learning movement gestures
Caption: Enjoying a relaxing therapeutic art session with residents and art coaches
Facilitated by three dance practitioners and one student volunteer from LASELLE College of the Arts, the residents were led on an online exploration of art creations and personal discovery over eight sessions. They had the opportunity to express their personal interests and share their individual strengths and creativity through drawing, movements and dancing after viewing videos and photos.
“I always like to try new things. I enjoy the art activity where I see a picture and interpret it through my drawing on a notepad. What we see may be different from what others see. After drawing an emotion, you need to do an action. It helps me get in touch with my feelings and trains my memory too as I have to remember what was shown to me earlier. The dance movements also makes me so happy. I also roped in my grandchildren to try out. Everyone loved it! With this prolonged Covid, seniors know they need to be more digitally savvy. They have learnt to go online so it’s not too hard to engage them,” said Ang Mo Kio resident Mdm Dhanalaxmi, 69.