Author: Joyce Chew (Community resident, volunteer and retiree from the Ministry of the Attorney General).
TNO’s Integrated Services for Seniors (ISFS) offers a beneficial and healthy community-based program that includes well-coordinated activities, fitness programs, and many Acts of Kindness from its seniors. These remarkable individuals make a difference in the lives of others, demonstrating ongoing kindness and support.
One participant in the fitness program, when asked about her age, responded with “19”—a fun way of saying she is 91 years young. This senior is exemplary for her kindness, often accompanying her neighbor, who has memory challenges, to fitness sessions and helping her navigate wherever needed. This is just one of many unsung Acts of Kindness that support fellow seniors.
A favorite activity in the program is the Bingo sessions. The active seniors quickly grab the popular jumbo bingo shutter cards, while others use the regular cards. These shutter cards, which don’t require chips, make the game more accessible. At the last bingo session, I decided to forgo my own game to assist others at my table. Some seniors missed the called numbers, and others had hearing difficulties. At the end of the session, two seniors were the winners and selected their prizes. Their happiness and appreciation for my assistance were truly remarkable. This small act of helping others made a meaningful difference and empowered those who might have otherwise been left out.
Another shining example of kindness came from Suraiya Begum, who distributed her personal gifts of mini-Santa hats at one of the December activities. On her own initiative and at her own expense, Suraiya shared these hats, symbolizing the Christmas celebration. Her generosity was an exemplary act of assimilating multi-cultural practices within our diverse community.
ISFS trips and parties have been a huge hit, with the 2024 year-end celebration, called the “Holiday Celebration,” being one of the biggest events. Held on December 10, 2024, this celebration was especially significant as it included over 300 participants, including regular and special-needs seniors. The theme of “Let’s Not Forget” symbolized the opportunity that is often inaccessible to these less fortunate clients. The celebration was filled with joy as attendees enjoyed the entertainment, food, and gifts.
During the celebration, I noticed a senior in a wheelchair, accompanied by full personal care support. She appeared to be enjoying herself, smiling and rocking to the tune of Christmas carols—a heartwarming sight often seen when people with health challenges engage with music. It was a moving moment, one that might have been lost if not for the inclusiveness fostered by ISFS during this event. This celebration was an opportunity for those often isolated due to health circumstances to join in the fun, and it truly made a difference. The experience was further enhanced when the senior’s family won a Lenovo Mini Tablet in the raffle.
Speaking of the raffle, 10 lucky winners received Lenovo Mini Tablets during the Holiday Celebration. It was a perfect choice. Who wouldn’t be joyful at winning a tablet? More importantly, it’s a great tool for seniors, often isolated, to connect with family and friends through video calls. Tablets are also incredibly helpful for seniors who might need assistance navigating smartphones. Younger generations, often quick to fix problems for seniors, sometimes miss out on the opportunity to explain how things work. Recently, ISFS facilitated some smartphone and tablet workshops, helping seniors learn the basics of using these devices. The workshops were tailored to fit the social media level of the participants, allowing everyone to learn together as beginners. I overheard comments like, “Oh, that’s why!” and “I didn’t know I could do that.” These workshops were valuable educational opportunities that empowered seniors to learn and connect.
So, Let’s Not Forget: Inclusiveness Makes A Difference.
