The meeting of different dialects, the echoing laughters of a single generation and the spirit of youthfulness in the elderly, all bundled up in the flyer capsule, overlooking the view of Singapore. What an uplifting sight to behold on the night of 30 August 2009.
It was the Community Outreach Program for the Elderly (COPE) having an outing to the Singapore flyer for 300 elderly and several volunteers. This outing is one of the many monthly organized activities by COPE. Through this program, professionals and volunteers aim to establish strong rapport with the elderly, and help them strengthen their relationship with their family members.
The outing, supported by the Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWO) and South East Community Development Council (SECDC), materialized after requests from the elderly themselves. Many were highly enthusiastic about the outing because they felt that it was an opportunity to walk and explore memories from their yesteryears.
Irene Ho, the organizer for COPE, felt that this night activity stood out from the other programs as many of the elderly do not get the chance to go out at night. This was an opportunity to help educate the elderly on Singapore as well as set new boundaries in their outing experiences.
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| PHOTOS: Cristopher Teh |
After enjoying a Japanese meal together, everyone headed to view Singapore’s picturesque night scenery in separate groups on the flyer. When asked about a phobia of heights, an overwhelming majority brushed away the issue and exclaimed that there was nothing to fear as it felt like the capsule was stationary. Some elderly even started dancing around the capsule.
Although many spoke different dialects, everybody connected through the similar experience of getting to know Singapore’s night landscape. The elderly are certainly looking forward to their next outing together.
