Sparking conversations through Reminiscence Facilitation

Sparking conversations through Reminiscence Facilitation

It has been a decade since Mr Jimmy Loh, 76, sat for an examination. The warehouse specialist turned security officer never imagined that his next certification would be in helping seniors spark conversations by guiding them down memory lane.

It all started when he was invited by a staff from TOUCHpoint@Wellington 513 to participate in a training programme to be certified as a Reminiscence Facilitator. He felt excited and anxious embarking on this new journey.

The DBSF X SUSS Memory & Cognitive Health Community Programme is a regional initiative that promotes cognitive and emotional well-being among older adults through structured reminiscence engagements. The programme focuses on capacity-building and research components aimed at scalable and sustainable growth, alongside community engagement, where trained Reminiscence Facilitators (RFs) lead regular reminiscence sessions in partnership with local organisations. A key element of the programme is the SUSS Reminiscence Facilitation Training Course, which equips older adults with practical skills and a structured framework for preparing, facilitating and evaluating reminiscence activities.

“Initially, I didn’t know what Reminiscence Facilitation was but I understood the word ‘Reminiscence’. I am Chinese-educated so I wasn’t sure if I could keep up with the lessons. It has been so long since I last studied,” says Jimmy, explaining that he felt like he was “walking on a bridge” without any support.

To help Jimmy and the other volunteer seniors ease into this journey of learning, TOUCH gathered them at the centre to guide them online so that they could understand the course content better. This was followed by two days of in-person training at SUSS.  

Practice makes perfect

Jimmy’s breakthrough came when he led his first Reminiscence Facilitation session for a group of four seniors at TOUCHpoint@Wellington 513. Initially feeling anxious, he gradually gained confidence in helping seniors to recall something interesting from their past, such as their favourite dishes, childhood games and music. 

Caption: Jimmy (back row, second from left) with participants of the Reminiscence Facilitation Training from TOUCHpoint@Wellington 513 and TOUCHpoint@AMK 433 

Caption: Seniors from TOUCHpoint@Wellington 513 engaging in a lively facilitated reminiscence session with Jimmy

“The training sessions were very helpful. It gave me ideas on how to break the ice with seniors attending the session. I can now run the facilitation sessions more smoothly as I plan topics that truly interest them. For example, I will do my own research on familiar poems or get them to talk about their Calligraphy experience, and even discuss about the kinds of brushes they used in the past to help them open up,” shares Jimmy.

At a recent session sharing on Mid-Autumn festivities, the seniors recalled their childhood experiences and compared them with how they are celebrated in current times. They also suggested ways to preserve cultural values for future generations.

“You will be surprised. Seniors love to talk about their past. Once they start, they can’t stop. That’s how I get them to share more – to recall and talk about things in the past that excite them,” says Jimmy.

Recently, Jimmy volunteered at a community event at the Ang Mo Kio Community Centre where he facilitated a Reminiscence session. “I am encouraged by the seniors’ response. They began to share more freely about their feelings and stories as they became more comfortable with the others in the group,” adds Jimmy.

Thriving in the golden years

As an active volunteer with TOUCHpoint@Wellington 513, Jimmy also spends his time teaching some 30 seniors Calligraphy at the centre. He also enjoys taking part in a range of activities including Bingo, fitness sessions and festive celebrations.  

Caption: Imparting calligraphy skills to seniors

Recently, he joined students from Republic Polytechnic and other seniors to compete in a Boccia game at the National Healthcare Group (NHG) Healthiverse 15M games — NHG’s first inclusive community sports tournament, designed to accommodate people of all ages and physical abilities. Filled with enthusiasm and a healthy dose of competitiveness, his group clinched top spot at the inaugural tournament. 

Caption: Jimmy (middle) taking part in a Boccia competition together with seniors and student volunteers from Republic Polytechnic at the Singapore Sports Hub on 5 October 2025, as part of the NHG Healthiverse 15M games.  

Caption: Jimmy (last row second from right) together with seniors and staff from TOUCHpoint@Wellington 513, and student volunteers from Republic Polytechnic, took part in a friendly Bocca Competition and Walking Football at the Singapore Sports Hub in October 2025.

“It was an enjoyable experience. Initially, I didn’t know how to play Boccia. I haven’t even heard of it but now, I enjoy this game a lot. Don’t underestimate us seniors – we can be competitive too!” added Jimmy with a laugh.

“My life is not so boring now. I like to observe, learn and share with friends. I am grateful to TOUCH for enabling seniors like me to discover what we’re good at and contribute to society.”

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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 2025