Interaction

How did we interact with the elderly?
Firstly, we sat down together at the table and start introducing ourselves. Slowly, we ask them to introduce themselves and engange in a conversation about their childhood or early years. We also asked them about their current life such as how many children and grand children they have and what was their occupation when they were young. Gradually, we became friends and making handicrafts. It was a very happy thing to watch them smile when they complete their activites.

Lifestyles

We have all found out that the lifestyles of the elderly are very boring. Their usual daily activities are sleeping, watching TV and take a stroll in the neighbourhood. Only some of them will talk to other elderly in their daily routine. They only come to the elderly centre when they are invited. But we found out that there are others who are very active. They would go the centre and interact with their peers and are regularly contributing to the charity. This is a great thing because Singapore is an ageing population and this would help to contribute to the community.

Problems

What were the problems that the group had encountered and how those problems were resolved?

We were in a difficult postion at first. It was difficult for us to communicate with them. There was nothing or should we say "common" topic due to the different generations. Our experiences were not the same as them and their views or opinions too. We think that they are far more worst than our parents, nagging and nagging. We resolved the problems by thinking positive. We tried our best to come out with topics that can be discuss and ones that could not hurt them deeply. We also afraid that these topics were sensitive to them. That we why, we think before we ask. We talked about their life and daily routine. but mainly, about their past stories. From there, they started talking and explained their exciting and meaningful experiences.
The visit was quite short. We were engrossed with their stories, that was why, time flies fast. We were unable to share more about our experiences. We hope the visits should extend longer to unable them to share their stories short and simple.

PICTURES!!!!!!! :)

Pictures of our last visit. Great fun, great time and great bonding.

post-visit writing(reflections)

Man Fung;

At first we thought that elderlys are grumpy and sensitive people. They have proved as wrong. Elderlys are not as grumpy or sensitive as we thought, instead they are cheerful and fun. Some are even young at heart. We had lots of fun and it was great making friends with the elderlys. We have also learnt that if we give our hearts out to care for people, they will appreciate it and return their love to you.

Atiqah;
After the 2 visits at the activity centre for the elderly, I have gained a lot of knowledge such as what was the times like before Singapore became a prosperous nation, how to value our parents more and stay religious at all time. I really appreciate the advices given by the elderly there. Eventhough they are not my real grandparents, it seemed as though I have known them for so long when i was chatting with them. The satisfaction of helping the elderly was when i see them smile and laugh while we entertained them. I really hope that i can do other services towards the elderly that will benefit both of us and the elderly.

Reng Hong;
In these visits, i had done lots of interaction with the elderly. I did some handicrafts like chalk powder bottle. I also chit-chat with them. We talked about their past and more. During one of the visit, I was even pulled out to karaoke.
After these visits, I learned that most elderly are very lonely. I should talk to my grandparents more often so that they will not feel the same way. I also learned the skill of how to start a topic to talk to the elderly.

Sakinah;
I learnt how the folks felt staying alone without their children or anybody else. They felt left behind by them after they have their own families to take care of. They told me about their past lifestyles and how they enjoyed their youngster years. Unlike now, they are not supposed to roam around as they are weak and need to rest more. From the visits, i also learnt that we were not supposed to treat them cruelly, as if they does not exist anymore. Tis would hurt their feelings even more. After their hard work of taking care and discipline us since we were young, we should also show our love and concern towards them as well in their ageing years.

Sumiyati;
I had spent a lot of time with the old folks there and i gained many meaningful experiences. I got to know their life stories and their daily routine. I have learnt to be more caring and sensitive to the old folks. We did a lot of hands-on activities like handicrafts which gives me opportunities to bond with them. Futhermore, i spent my time with the community. I think it has been a meaningful and memorable time spent with the folks there.

Details of the visit(what we had seen) and what we have learned

What we had seen during the visit?

We had tried to be as caring as possible as the elderlys are very sensitive.The elderlys were very glad and happy that we came to visit them.They thanked us for buying some groceries for them.They liked the activities done and enjoyed themselves.We also treated them like our own grandparents.

What we had learned during the visit?

We learnt that as we grow old,our children will have to move out of the house and we could end up living all by ourselves at home if the elderly does not want to live with their children.So,it would be very boring and they wil feel lonely at home.This activites centre will help the elderly interact more with students like us and make new friendswith the other elderys.
Some of the elderys had lived with their before,but after a few years they decided to live by themselves.The reason being was that they were tired as they had to take care of their grandchildren and do the housechores everyday while their children are away.From this,we learned that we must appreciate the presence of the elderly.

Details of the visit(what we have done)

Third visit
On the third visit,we made a picture using coloured sand.The elderlys had a choice of what colours they wanted to use.We helped them poured out the sand on the area they want.After that,they used a toothpick to spread out the sand.The picture they had made were given to them as gift.
After that , some of us went to Sheng Shiong to buy some groceries for the elderlys.While some of us went to Sheng Shiong,we chatted with the elderys.Since that day was Marion,our classmate birthday,we sang a song together with the elderlys for her.Each of them were also given a slice of cake.