A Heart for the Community

When Anna first walked into TOUCHpoint@Yishun 162, she immediately felt a sense of warmth and was struck by the welcoming atmosphere. “The place was bright and cheerful. The staff were friendly and the seniors looked happy,” says the 63-year-old retiree who lives nearby.

At that stage of her life, where she was newly retired, Anna felt lost. With more time on her hands, she grew restless and was slowing gaining weight. Concerned about her well-being, her neighbours encouraged her to attend the activities at the Active Ageing Centres (AAC) in her neighbourhood. Anna decided to give TOUCHpoint@Yishun 162 a try as it was closer to her home. 

Soon, Anna started exercising together with other seniors at the centre three times a week. Her social circle gradually expanded as she formed new friendships. When she participated in workshops conducted by TOUCH’s counsellors, it motivated her to reflect more deeply on her aspirations in life and how to build meaningful relationships.

“I learnt a lot about being grateful and thankful. Even if someone upsets us, we must learn to forgive and forget,” shares Anna. Today, as she puts these lessons into practice, she enjoys peace of mind. 

Neighbours looking out for one another

To Anna, volunteering is about giving without expecting anything in return. As a volunteer at the centre, she provides logistical support and accompanies frail seniors to and from the centre. She was also given opportunities to support other seniors through the Caring Neighbours Programme, a new community initiative introduced by TOUCHpoint@Yishun 162 and supported by CapitaLand Hope Foundation, the philanthropic arm of CapitaLand Group. The programme aims to nurture a neighbour-for-neighbour environment where residents look out for one another in practical, everyday ways.

“I was inspired when I saw residents attending block parties and befriending one another. The staff and volunteers were busy knocking on doors, reaching out to the community. I wanted to be part of this effort,” Anna adds.

Caption: Mdm Lim Gek Huay, 90, from TOUCHpoint@Yishun 162 enjoying the company of volunteers like Anna

Caption: Anna (3rd from left) taking part in an activity at the Caring Neighbour Programme closing ceremony attended by 300 seniors from TOUCH’s AACs in March 2026

Caption: Senior volunteers including Anna (middle 4th from right) helping out at a community event

Her most memorable volunteering experiences involved accompanying Mdm H. Foo, a senior in her 80s who was living with dementia. Anna was delighted when Mdm Foo finally managed to find her way to the centre on her own. As they grew closer, she could recall Anna’s name.

On another occasion, Anna’s elderly neighbour, who had previously declined invitations to attend the centre’s activities finally agreed to attend her first Chinese New Year celebration at the centre this year. Not long after, this neighbour suffered a fall at home and was able to receive prompt help from Anna and another neighbour.

“We were very worried when we heard cries for help,” Anna recalls. “We knocked on the door and called out to her. We realised she was locked in her toilet! We immediately called for an ambulance. As neighbours, we should always keep a look out for one another. Afterall, this is an ageing neighbourhood,” says Anna.

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TOUCH runs five Active Ageing Centres (AACs) located in Ang Mo Kio, Geylang Bahru, Wellington and Yishun. AACs serve all seniors living within the neighbourhood, and act as a go-to-point to receive timely access to quality care. Our AACs are supported by TOUCH’s trans-disciplinary team of eldercare specialists, leveraging community resources to achieve long-term wellness to prevent and delay frailty, and to help seniors age well in the community.    

Story published in 2026.