Celebrating seniors and their stories of resilience, re-invention and quiet courage.

 

On National Day, the Reunion Social Space at the National Museum of Singapore is being transformed into a library to celebrate seniors and their powerful stories of resilience, re-invention and quiet courage.

The books available:

• Alison Lim (founder, Dementia & Co)
  Book title: Light in the Fog

Alison was diagnosed with a rare type of dementia, Primary Progressive Aphasia, in 2016. Desperate to understand her kind of dementia, she reached out all over the world and was very fortunate to be connected to many specialists. She began connecting with other persons living with dementia in clinic waiting rooms and invited them home to further understand this confusing journey. To her shock, many had even less information and support than her. Thus, Dementia & Co was born – an organisation which “brings those with dementia and their families together to share their experiences and create new joy together”.

 

• John Chong (founder and beekeeper, Beeamazed)
  Book title: Bee Amazed Garden

After spending 37 years shaping young minds in the classroom, John embarked on an unexpected second act as a beekeeper. What began as a quiet curiosity has blossomed into a full-fledged calling. Today, he cares for 10 urban hives across Singapore and leads his own Bee Amazed Garden, dedicated to education and environmental stewardship.

 

• Joseph Wong (former centre manager and current volunteer at WeCare)
  Book title: New Beginnings

At 60, Joseph is a reminder that the road to healing and purpose is not always straight – but it is always possible. For many years, he dedicated himself to teaching, pouring his energy into the classroom. However, in 2008, following the passing of his father and increasing workplace pressures, he began to experience deep emotional burnout. Seeking relief, he turned to prescription sleeping pills to cope with insomnia and stress. Over time, his reliance on medication deepened, and years later, in a moment of desperation, he began using stronger substances. Upon his prison release, he earned a diploma in social work in his late 50s and began working at WE CARE Community Services, supporting others through peer outreach, empathy, and lived wisdom.

 

• Kian Tan and Stephanie Tay (founders, Freshio Gelato)
  Book title: Scoop of Wisdom

Kian Tan and Stephanie Tay are living proof that reinvention has no age limit. Now in their 70s, the couple are the spirited owners of Freshio Gelato – an artisan café they started after retiring from long and diverse careers in engineering, business and food service. From building industrial cold storage plants across China to running cafés in Shanghai, their journey spans continents, industries and countless reinventions.

 

There are two sessions – in the morning and afternoon – of the programme with the same content and speakers. Each session costs S$5 and includes a pastry set from Café Brera.

This programme is organised by the National Museum of Singapore, Singapore University of Social Services and Ageless Online. To sign up, go to: go.gov.sg/ndohwow