Sparking Joy in Surprising Connections

When Ms Karen Lim, 70, and her husband Mr Paul Tan, 77, moved from Bukit Batok to Yishun some two years ago, they never imagined it would mark an exciting chapter in their lives.

With plenty of free time on their hands, they were keen to explore activities to stay engaged and active. Their first contact with TOUCHpoint@Yishun 436, an Active Ageing Centre (AAC), was when they had their blood pressure checked at the centre’s Community Health Post. They were then invited to attend the centre’s activities.

“I am so glad we took that first step to come to the centre. I enjoy the health talks more because I like to learn new things. For example, I learnt how to manage my medication and check expiry dates,” says Karen, who used to work in the education sector before she became a housewife. 

As for Paul, he finds topics like the Lasting Power of Attorney useful and practical. “It has opened my eyes to important issues in life. I have seen people who are old and helpless, and how this impacts the whole family,” says Paul, a retired military officer.

Caption: A talk on the Lasting Power of Attorney held at TOUCHpoint@Yishun 436

Discovering passions

One of Karen’s happiest moments was when she was asked by AAC staff to join the “Icons of SG” and “Heritage in Colours”, art programmes under the WeCare Arts Fund, supported by the North-West Community Development Council and the National Arts Council.

"My first thought was, ‘Can I really do this?’ I haven’t attended an art class since secondary school! So, when I saw my painting of three lovely ‘siew mais’, I could hardly believe it. I felt overjoyed," says Karen.

Caption: Artistic display of seniors’artworks at TOUCHpoint@Yishun 436

Together, the couple shopped for paintbrushes and colour palettes, marking the beginning of their new-found hobby.

More surprises

At the start of this year, the couple was invited by the staff of TOUCHpoint@Yishun 436 to join “Doing Good Together” – a SG60 project that involves seniors and special artists from JOURNEY, a brand under TOUCH that showcases the artistic talents of people with intellectual disabilities. Its 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: Learning more about people with intellectual disabilities

Caption: Enjoying an interactive game at TCIL

Caption: Bonding through cooking

Caption: Seniors enjoying the good company of the special artists from TCIL

Caption: Karen and Paul attending an art session under the “Doing Good Together” project

 It was an enriching experience for Paul and Karen as they have never interacted with people with special needs. Together with six other seniors, they attended joint bonding sessions at TOUCH Centre for Independent Living and at the AAC, where they played games, cooked and painted with eight special artists.

“They were so lively and chatty. I never thought they would be so friendly. It didn’t take us long before we warmed up to them. I can tell they enjoyed our company. They are just like us,” adds Karen, who used to hesitate to talk to people with special needs. “I have observed that some have speech issues. It’s not that they don’t want to communicate.”

Changing misconceptions is also something Paul hopes to advocate. “I can see that they are very intelligent and talented from the way they draw and paint. I am so amazed to see their finished artworks, and their ability to earn an income and even fundraise,” says Paul, who adds that they need more people to stand up for them so they can do more.

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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.