MWS launches HARMONY, a new approach to active ageing, at its first Senior Olympics as Singapore becomes super-aged

At the age of 99, Madam Lim Joke Buay was the oldest person at the event. Not only that, she was more than game when it came time to pilot a drone.

Mdm Lim was among the nearly 300 seniors from seven Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Active Ageing Centres (AACs) at MWS’ inaugural Senior Olympics Day, held on October 1.

Of her maiden flight, she said: “It was really fun. It made me use my brain more, and I think it can get quite addictive. I was amazed that just by using the controller, I could make the drone fly. It was something completely new to me.”

New way to engage the old 

The event brought the elderly together for a day of friendly competition, camaraderie and learning. It was a fun way to showcase a broader approach to active ageing.

This new strategy goes beyond physical activity to helping the aged stay healthy, mentally engaged, socially connected and independent.

As part of this reimagined approach to active ageing, MWS also launched HARMONY. The new framework guides programmes across its network of seven AACs, reaching more than 16,000 seniors.

“Every programme contributes towards helping seniors age well.”

The framework brings together six dimensions of well-being:

• health promotion and wellness
• active engagement
• reminiscence and cognitive health
• meaningful social connection
• outreach to the community
• nurturing independence

“For many years, active ageing was largely associated with keeping seniors occupied. Today, the conversation has evolved. The question is how we can help seniors remain healthy, connected, confident and independent for as long as possible,” said Albert Ching, the CEO of MWS.

“HARMONY is our response to that challenge. It provides a common framework that brings together physical wellness, cognitive health, social connection and community participation so that every programme contributes towards helping seniors age well.”

Eugene Toh, Chairperson of MWS Board of Governance, highlighted that the framework was launched as MWS’ goal is not simply for seniors to enjoy activities, but to provide a more holistic experience through signature programmes such as Men-Only Happy Hour and Ling Ling Time, which promote well-being, foster connections and encourage volunteerism.

Urgent need as Singapore turned super-aged

Flying drones through hoops, learning about artificial intelligence (AI) and competing in adaptive sports may not be what traditionally comes to mind when we think about growing older.

But as Singapore becomes a super-aged society, with seniors aged 65 and above making up more than one-fifth of the population, there is an increasing need to explore new ways to help seniors stay healthy, connected and independent.

Guest-of-Honour Mr Ng Chee Meng, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Adviser to Jalan Kayu Grassroots Organisations, who graced the occasion and joined the seniors in the activities said: “This inaugural Senior Olympics Day is a very meaningful initiative – it promotes active ageing through activities, as well as fosters friendship and connections among seniors from different parts of Singapore.

“As our population ages, social connections and activities enable our seniors to stay active, build friendships and enjoy community life.”

Not too late for something new

Drone Soccer, which Mdm Lim was completely immersed in, was a key highlight of the day.

Seniors piloted drones and attempted to fly them through aerial hoops in a challenge that tested concentration, coordination and teamwork. It was the first time flying a drone for all the elderly participants.

Mei Andres, Head of MWS AACs, said the Drone Soccer activity was introduced at the event as a new experience for seniors. There are plans to adapt the activity for the organisation’s centres.

“I especially liked the Ladder Toss game because it allowed me to exercise my arms.”

“We want seniors to experience something new and know that even in their 80s or 90s, they can still try activities that younger people are excited about,” she explained.

“There is no age limit to learning.”

Participants also took part in adaptive sports including Bocce Bowls, Bean Bag Toss, Seated Volleyball and Ladder Toss. The activities were designed to be accessible to seniors across different mobility and frailty levels, including those using wheelchairs and mobility aids.

Yeow Soh Lian is an 80-year-old stroke survivor who uses a wheelchair. She was delighted to be able to take part in such a large-scale event. It was a first for her in a long while.

“I really enjoy exercising. I especially liked the Ladder Toss game because it allowed me to exercise my arms,” she said.

“I’m very happy to be part of this event because it gives us the opportunity to bond while trying new things together.”

The range of activities reflects MWS’ broader aim of supporting seniors to age well through opportunities that promote physical well-being, social connection and participation in the community.

More than mere brawn

The Senior Olympics went beyond sport.

There was a new gamified digital-learning initiative developed with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IDMA) where participants explored topics including scams and AI. This gave the seniors an opportunity to build confidence in navigating an increasingly digital society.

“These activities reflect the importance of creating opportunities for seniors to continue learning.”

Student researchers from Singapore Management University (SMU) were also present. They engaged the elderly in a study on digital communications and how they can support connection and social belonging.

Said Albert: “These activities reflect the importance of creating opportunities for seniors to continue learning and participating as technology becomes an integral part of everyday life.”

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