The Home Nursing Foundation Wellness Club Hougang 912 is the first of four new AACs that the Foundation will open over the next two years.

 

 

At 70, Yim Chuen Weng never imagined that the brushstrokes he learnt for Chinese calligraphy, a craft he first encountered in primary school, would one day bring him back into the classroom – but this time as a teacher.

The calligraphy enthusiast spends his time volunteering, guiding fellow seniors through art at the newly-opened Home Nursing Foundation (HNF) Wellness Club at Block 912, Hougang Street 91. For Chuen Wang, the centre has become a place where he can give back and help other seniors discover patience and purpose through the traditional craft.

He is one of 473 seniors currently enrolled at Home Nursing Foundation’s (HNF) Wellness Club Hougang 912, which opened its doors recently, and he is also one of the many active seniors who volunteer their time, skills and experience at the wellness club.

The launch event was officiated by Jasmin Lau, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Education, who is also the grassroots adviser for Seletar-Serangoon. She shared, “I am glad that this new AAC embraces the spirit of community involvement, so that our healthy and enthusiastic seniors are able to learn new skills while stepping forward to support others and give back to the community. This spirit of senior volunteerism is powerful, as it reminds us that every individual has purpose and value, and can live out their potential throughout their golden years.”

The HNF Wellness Club Hougang 912 is the second active ageing centre (AAC) under HNF’s belt. Kicking off HNF’s 50th anniversary celebrations, HNF Wellness Club Hougang 912 is the first of four new AACs that HNF will open over the next two years.

A first for any AAC in Singapore, the HNF Wellness Club Hougang 912 introduces a unique approach among active ageing centres in Singapore by reinterpreting traditional remedies through modern, engaging formats. For instance, herbal-infused concoctions are dispensed via cones of ice cream. These treats are made in-house and on-the-spot by the Club’s senior members, and are offered to anyone who drops by – from families to students to residents in the neighbourhood. This then creates opportunities for intergenerational interaction as well as community bonding.

HNF Wellness Club Hougang 912 stands out for its community-centric approach that incorporates community engagement activities in its regular programming. Through a “train-the-trainer” approach, seniors are equipped with skills – from ice cream making to outreach engagement – and empowered to support their peers and reach out to housebound or vulnerable seniors in the neighbourhood (accompanied by staff members), offering companionship while sharing more about the programmes and support available at the centre. Staff members and seniors alike say this high level of engagement and involvement has strengthened in its members a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Seniors were also engaged to paint a mural at the Club’s exterior.

To encourage greater neighbourly and multi-generational interactions, acting centre supervisor, Puah Hwei Koon, has developed a monthly engagement featuring activities such as table tennis, learning basic barista skills and herbal ice cream handmade by active seniors. The focus on reinterpreting traditional remedies in accessible and engaging ways is also reflected in the naming of the rooms, such as Ginseng, Dang Gui, Halia and Haldi.

Earlier in February, a group of 20 seniors underwent training in brewing herbal mixtures and teas, before learning to craft both rolled and soft-served herbal-infused ice cream. Using ingredients drawn from diverse cultural traditions, the programme reflects the shared heritage of Singapore’s multi-ethnic community. The herbal mixtures included ingredients such as osmanthus, goji berries, red dates and pandan, which are used across different ethnic and cultural practices.

These traditional remedies, coupled with the ice cream making workshop, have proven to be popular among seniors from different walks of life and ethnicities. They found the scents and flavours familiar and comforting, and the ice cream making activity fun and engaging.

Calligraphy enthusiast and volunteer Chuen Wang said: “I am happy that an AAC opened below my block. While I have always kept myself active, having an AAC so near me allows me to pursue my passions more conveniently. Through volunteering my skills and time together with my wife, we have found a lot more purpose and fulfilment in giving back to the community. I can’t wait for more interesting programmes that I am sure will be on the way.”