Taking care of our health

WE ALL aspire to remain mobile and independent in our golden years so that we can continue to pursue the things we enjoy doing. That’s why it’s important to take charge of our health and well-being. Read on to find out how these four inspiring seniors are empowering themselves to stay healthy, mentally and physically.


Lynn Soh, 77

Meet medal-winning taekwondo black belter, Lynn Soh.

Judging by this kick-ass grandma’s agility, it’s hard to imagine that she was suffering from backaches and knee pains just a few years ago. It got so bad that she woke up one morning not being able to stand or walk. That was when she realised she had to take charge of her health.

Lynn accomplished her taekwondo black belt in under three years
Tough cookie… Lynn accomplished her taekwondo black belt in under three years.

Since taking up taekwondo lessons in 2018, the grandmother of two has been going from strength to strength, achieving her black belt in under three years. She even bagged the gold medal at the 13th National Poomsae Championships in 2019.

“I feel like I’m in my 40s again!” Lynn said. “Being old does not have to mean aches and pains – with a proper diet, exercise and good sleep, we can turn things around.”

Outside of her taekwondo training, the bubbly senior also enjoys taking brisk walks, swimming and cycling on a stationary bike.

Read more about Lynn in this Straits Times article:
Unable to walk a decade ago, this 77-year-old is now a medal-winning taekwondo black belter


Jeyaraj Indra Raj, 68

Jeyaraj Indra Raj’s wrinkle-free skin and zest for life are the envy of his peers. His advice to them is simple: Try swimming!

On weekdays, Jeyaraj and his wife begin their day with a swim at 5am. Besides regular exercise, the health-conscious lawyer also makes an effort to eat healthily, go for health screenings and maintain a positive mindset.

Stressing the importance of a healthy lifestyle, Jeyaraj said: “Many of my friends who do not exercise feel more stressed. Some of them even suffer from strokes and cancer at a young age.”

Jeyaraj has been volunteering actively as a board member of St. Luke’s Hospital for many years.
Giving back to the community… Aside from work, Jeyaraj has been volunteering actively as a board member of St. Luke’s Hospital for many years.

Jeyaraj also loves music; the former school band member continues to play the trumpet to this day!

Read more about Jeyaraj in this Tamil Murasu article:
கவலைகளற்ற வாழ்க்கைமுறை பின்பற்றும் வழக்கறிஞர்


Hafsah Mohd Ali, 71

Hafsah Mohd Ali understands the anxiety and fear people have when trying to come to terms with their debilitating medical conditions. After all, she too, had many questions before amassing the courage to proceed with her total knee replacement surgeries.

Following the procedures, Hafsah was admitted to St Luke’s Hospital twice for rehabilitation. After her recovery, she decided to pay it forward by volunteering with the hospital as a patient befriender.

Hafsah (left) enjoys spending quality time with her sister Aziza Ali, who is always there for her.
Ties that bind… Hafsah (left) enjoys spending quality time with her sister Aziza Ali, who is always there for her.

Whenever she encounters patients who are reluctant to go for their physiotherapy sessions, she will share her personal experience and encourage them to take ownership of their health and well-being.

Now that Hafsah has regained her quality of life, she finds joy and inner peace in helping others. She believes it also helps her stay healthy, both mentally and physically.

Read more about Hafsah in this Berita Harian article:
Jiwa tenang menulis, bersenam dan jadi relawan


Lim Nghee Huat, 68

Lim Nghee Huat is an avid ultramarathoner who is fit as a fiddle and probably has better stamina than most people half his age.

After all, the grandfather of three has completed the by-invite-only 217km Badwater Ultramarathon at Death Valley in the United States, navigating the searing hot Californian desert and three mountain ranges in under 43 hours.

Nghee Huat maintains an impressive fitness routine, running 10 to 30km three times a week.
Determined, disciplined and dynamic… Nghee Huat maintains an impressive fitness routine, running 10 to 30km three times a week.

While Nghee Huat admitted that long-distance running can be lonely and painful at times, he said it builds his perseverance and mental resilience, especially when the going gets tough.

The former Mediacorp current affairs editor also explained how keeping fit and staying healthy is his way of caring for his loved ones: “If I don’t fall sick, my family doesn’t have to worry about my health or busy themselves looking after me. I can live freely and independently.”

Read more about Nghee Huat in this Lianhe Zaobao article:
持续锻炼保健康 乐龄无病没烦恼


Action Plan for Successful Ageing

  • It was launched in 2015 by the Ministerial Committee on Ageing (MCA) to chart the way forward for Singaporeans to age confidently and gracefully.
  • In 2017, the MCA also launched the I Feel Young SG campaign to promote the Action Plan and encourage active ageing.
  • To respond to a greater diversity of the needs of seniors today and tomorrow, and considering the new operating environment and learnings from COVID-19, MCA is refreshing the Action Plan with the following emphases:

  • Care:
    To empower seniors to take charge of their physical and mental well-being through preventive health, active ageing programmes and care services to stay healthy and pursue their aspirations.

    Contribution:
    To enable seniors to continue to contribute their knowledge and expertise and remain resilient, through an enhanced learning, volunteerism and employment landscape.

    Connectedness:
    To support seniors to age-in-place within an inclusive built environment, while staying connected to their loved ones and society through digital platforms and support networks that embody the “kampung spirit”.


Article published on 27/4/2022

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