Caption: Ang Mo Kio residents from TOUCHpoint@AMK 433 feeling energised with NTU student volunteers
During these unprecedented times, volunteers have found creative ways to engage seniors on virtual platforms.
In July this year, some 100 youth from various tertiary institutions and seniors from TOUCH collectively embarked on a five-week virtual adventure to improve their mental and physical well-being. Thanks to ARTISAN 2.0 (Aspiration and Resilience Through Intergenerational Storytelling and Art-based Narratives) by the Action Research for Community Health (ARCH) Lab at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), seniors had a refreshing experience learning new things and befriending the youth.
Many have shared that they have experienced positive life changes, such as confidence to learn new skills, greater zest for life, and strengthened relations with others.
Held for the second time, ARTISAN 2.0 aims to alleviate loneliness and build social connectedness among the young and old. Through activities like virtual exercises and art-making, participants had an enjoyable time getting to know one another while staying fit physically and mentally.
“With physical distancing and staying home as the default, the ARTISAN 2.0 study showed that virtual arts and heritage intergenerational group-based interventions have vast potential to empower and forge meaningful relationships among youths and seniors, bringing them closer together in healing loneliness,” said Associate Professor Andy Ho from the Nanyang Technological University.
Seniors from TOUCH’s senior activity centres in Yishun and Wellington enjoyed enriching and insightful sessions sharing about their life stories and answering questions from the enthusiastic volunteers. Residents in Ang Mo Kio also enjoyed the good company of the student volunteers as they exercised alongside them on Zoom.
“I enjoy being in the company of the students. They make us seniors feel very comfortable. During the pandemic, it’s good to connect with others and do things together. These activities help us stay fit and feel positive,” said Ang Mo Kio resident from TOUCHpoint@AMK 433 Mr Leng Ah Tee, 70.
Special thanks to NTU volunteers for bringing so much fun and laugher to our seniors!