Living A Life Well-Seasoned

Instead of drizzling olive oil over golden, crusty pizzas or carefully watching over a pot of rich tomato sauce bubbling with melted cheese, Mdm Murtha Jothi now spends her time meaningfully exercising, bonding with other seniors over a game of Rumi-O and honing her artistic and Angklung skills at TOUCHpoint@Yishun 436, an Active Ageing Centre.

Caption: Mdm Jothi (1st row second from right) performing with her friends at a TOUCH fundraiser

The 69-year-old former Italian chef, who has a decade of culinary experience under her belt, believes in embracing life with a spirit of openness and positivity. “As a retiree, I can’t be spending my time at home watching TV. I need to go out and keep learning; it’s good for the brain. This is how seniors should be,” says Mdm Jothi, who lives with her husband, daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren.

Rediscovering creativity

Among all the activities that she has participated in, what surprised her the most was the discovery of her unexpected artistic talents.

“When I was first approached to see if I was keen to join the centre’s art programmes a year ago, I was initially hesitant. The last time I attended an art class was when I was in primary school! Imagine what went through my mind, “adds Mdm Jothi, who gradually picked up her confidence with encouragement from family members.

It was a memorable experience as she learnt to draw and paint with her friends and neighbours. Everyone was learning from one another.

Her creative journey reached new heights in the first quarter of this year when she was invited to join the “Doing Good Together” Project – an SG60 initiative that involves seniors from TOUCHpoint@Yishun 436 and special artists from JOURNEY, a brand under TOUCH that showcases the artistic talents of people with intellectual disabilities. The project’s goal is to co-create heartfelt artworks in celebration of Singapore’s 60th birthday while raising funds in support of the work of TOUCH.

Caption: Mdm Jothi (right) adding the final touches to her painting

Caption: Mdm Jothi (3rd row, 5th from left) with staff and seniors from TOUCHpoint@Yishun 436, and JOURNEY staff

Clearing misconceptions about people with special needs

“I’m in total amazement. I have seen and experienced things that I didn’t expect,” says Mdm Jothi, describing her interactions with the special artists. “My first encounter with this talented group of artists left me with a very good impression. We had an enjoyable time of laughing and learning together. They could ask ‘Going for lunch?’”

Caption: Mdm Jothi (2nd row 2nd from left) and seniors visiting the special artists at TCIL

Caption: Seniors showcasing their lovely artworks under the Doing Good Together project

Caption: Mdm Jothi befriending Ms Emily Chua, a special artist from JOURNEY

Mdm Jothi spent the whole day reflecting on her experience, overwhelmed with joy. She adds, “I shared this unforgettable experience with my children and grandchildren, and showed them my painting. They felt so happy for me.”

Observing the dedication of TOUCH’s life skills coaches in guiding the special artists, she is glad that TOUCH helps to improve the lives of people with special needs.

Looking ahead, Mdm Jothi hopes that people will support the Doing Good Together project. “It’s so cool to have the design collage nicely printed on various merchandise. This project truly captures the spirit of what it means to do things together to help others.”

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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 for seniors 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 2025.