Showing posts with label Elderly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elderly. Show all posts

Saturday, November 11, 2017

1,500 students recognised at Kindness Awards

Source Website: http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/1500-students-recognised-kindness-awards
By Ang Tian Tian, The New Paper, 11 November 2017 at 06:00 am


Cadburina Ng
PHOTO: Cadburina Ng (above)
Cadburina and her fellow cadets were among the 1,494 awardees from primary, secondary and special schools at the Kindness Awards 2017 held at Our Tampines Hub yesterday by the Singapore Kindness Movement.
Cadburina said: "When we learnt about the stigma against dementia, we realised we had to play a part to help the elderly because we will grow old and be in their shoes one day."
TNP PHOTOS: Ang Tian Tian
Picture posted by Ang Tian Tian, The New Paper on 11 November 2017 at 06:00 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWID_5WXqSUTcINBMWUoFMHX5sOI3ixZOTpOiuVnftFEZeuHyYmYdXD9mdeDhpfaylpeW8r-9jfq3pSTwNiKksKtFJ91d2Euw5cXrYycARUgFyJhrFuiHXaohUhTzh3pnIg12uI0Eg5Y/s1600/np_20171111_ttkind11_1658872435_copy_0.jpg
http://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/rl680/public/articles/2017/11/11/np_20171111_ttkind11_1658872435_copy_0.jpg?itok=gBSjECe8
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/1500-students-recognised-kindness-awards


Concerned about the lack of awareness of dementia among Singaporeans, Cadburina Ng, 15, and her fellow cadets from Red Cross Youth initiated a campaign to de-stigmatise the condition.

During the five-month-long campaign called The Silver Project, they designed and distributed 200 bookmarks, which debunked myths about dementia, to the public.

They also created sensory kits - boxes containing spices such as cloves and cinnamon - and wooden jigsaw puzzles for dementia patients at Ci Yuan Silver Circle Senior Care Centre.

Cadburina and her fellow cadets were among the 1,494 awardees from primary, secondary and special schools at the Kindness Awards 2017 held at Our Tampines Hub yesterday by the Singapore Kindness Movement.

Over the past five months, these students developed projects to promote kindness and graciousness within their schools and the community.

Cadburina said: "When we learnt about the stigma against dementia, we realised we had to play a part to help the elderly because we will grow old and be in their shoes one day."

Minister for Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli, who was at the event, said: "Education goes beyond tangible academic results. We must ensure that young Singaporeans are imbued with the right values, moral integrity and kindness while growing up."


Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Environment and Water Resources
PHOTO: Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Environment and Water Resources
"Education goes beyond tangible academic results. We must ensure that young Singaporeans are imbued with the right values, moral integrity and kindness while growing up."
Picture posted by Andrea Soh, sandrea@sph.com.sg on Wednesday, 02 December 2015 at 5:50 AM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQGCtvVf0vvfaOzp2dRew1ZIjmNfJ4N4mc7aWbK99Naaek99iylwNp502Cp_Nl0cUNzLA3zwuMBnfepLu0fCU-Ngcw13gpGH5_FWxHVw_sMenAOFN7vvASIso8qo0_4JjGKqWOih3a68/s1600/BT_20151202_ASCOP2_2002947.jpg
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sites/default/files/styles/475x316/public/image/2015/12/02/BT_20151202_ASCOP2_2002947.jpg?itok=Gu5yYjBx
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/spores-2030-goal-aggressive-and-ambitious-masagos


Cadburina added: "We feel honoured to receive this award and also a sense of accomplishment for being able to help the elderly."

Tan En, 11, was another award winner yesterday.


Tan En
PHOTO: Tan En (above)
Together with seven schoolmates, the Bedok Green Primary School pupil led a Hansel and Gretel-inspired kindness campaign to encourage their fellow schoolmates to do kind deeds.
Tan En said: "We hope to show our friends the importance of being kind and how they can sweeten a person's day with a kind act."
TNP PHOTOS: Ang Tian Tian
Picture posted by Ang Tian Tian, The New Paper on 11 November 2017 at 06:00 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Mv5aMsvXIw3UNhw6A5c0Yv7NcuTkBLL-ol-Fn3-nAfokRVbppwRoTM8QOmujI5rmweLZua2h4_ayxKycHDtGm4qFyFRaHer5K8SAksrljRQtS_ObCIp6tfxmoti_aMhK3h0uYMjwI70/s1600/np_20171111_ttkind11_1658872435_copy_1.jpg
http://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/rl680/public/articles/2017/11/11/np_20171111_ttkind11_1658872435_copy_1.jpg?itok=uYUkQCLN
http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/1500-students-recognised-kindness-awards


Together with seven schoolmates, the Bedok Green Primary School pupil led a Hansel and Gretel-inspired kindness campaign to encourage their fellow schoolmates to do kind deeds.

They created a candy house wall mural where students pasted well wishes for their friends as well as appreciation notes for teachers and non-teaching staff.

Tan En said: "We hope to show our friends the importance of being kind and how they can sweeten a person's day with a kind act."


When we learnt about the stigma against dementia, we realised we had to play a part to help the elderly because we will grow old and be in their shoes one day.
PHOTO: "When we learnt about the stigma against dementia, we realised we had to play a part to help the elderly because we will grow old and be in their shoes one day." -  by Cadburina Ng, 15, Red Cross Youth
Picture posted by Lifehacker 
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMjyXKfSfXKeeJ4urz2XMI0jVqFN1Xzn6wOdtiaYsr5Ow94q-lIxoFxUJkOEOi8_LJTE9I93ksli0PiUOF0OMJNUQX4ixHiJZmWxnvCH6WEGOenejvtjWLhVE50hbTsKj2jITxqobpgM/s1600/yyjcxkjhyk6nvhoo6ytm.jpg
https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--zEK7ieRx--/c_scale,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/yyjcxkjhyk6nvhoo6ytm.jpg
https://lifehacker.com/how-being-humble-kind-and-calm-will-make-your-life-ea-1561763720

By Ang Tian Tian, The New Paper, 11 November 2017 at 06:00 am



Reference
[1] Ang Tian Tian, The New Paper, 1500 students recognised at Kindness Awards, posted on 11 November 2017 at 06:00 am, http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/1500-students-recognised-kindness-awards
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Saturday, May 13, 2017

'I want to continue this affair until one of us dies'

Source Website: http://www.asiaone.com/women/i-want-continue-affair-until-one-us-dies
By The Japan News/ANN, 10 May 2017


I'm a woman in my mid-60s, and I've been with a man who is about 10 years younger than me for nearly 20 years.
PHOTO: I'm a woman in my mid-60s, and I've been with a man who is about 10 years younger than me for nearly 20 years.
How should I deal with our relationship from now on?
If you want to date him for the rest of your life, you should wait until he becomes single, too.
PHOTO: Pexels
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FEJtzdd73ea_yzvBK44d_xhOZmjc6LtA-Yq9o1JDjNm5Ahe67fME6S8tZk6ks74nebn2NOr39XUKKMp2EXCCIAF6l5OdYYZO-zWn-Ezwx_xldgD5mwN-SLRwsIFVpG_A-Q7mvyG9zgrh/s1600/20170508_OLD.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/640x360/public/original_images/May2017/20170508_OLD.jpg?itok=bioujBWG
http://www.asiaone.com/women/i-want-continue-affair-until-one-us-dies


Dear Troubleshooter:
I'm a woman in my mid-60s, and I've been with a man who is about 10 years younger than me for nearly 20 years.

I love him so much.

He is a company worker and is married.

My husband died three years ago.

I want to continue our relationship until one of us dies, but I don't dare say that to him, and I have a good reason.


Secret Love Affair - 밀회 (KDrama)
PHOTO: Secret Love Affair - 밀회 (KDrama)
Actress:  Kim Hee Ae, 김희애
My love for him has been growing deeper and deeper. Is he turned off by how in love with him I am?
Picture posted by 밀회 PIANO CONVERSATIONS
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ledU6lEeggUXYCLINBAmzVMScrrAudnJrBtrx09Ylyw4GgJHz2MrBYYlfsPcSedk2jC7mDPjfc95o4OIgM06VzU9K5rasglOG7b_pSxNot1bR2PcH_zuyK6h-R4y3EQUpB0p4gtHOz0T/s1600/sla4.jpg
https://pianoconversations.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/sla4.jpg
https://pianoconversations.wordpress.com/about/


My love for him has been growing deeper and deeper.

He, on the other hand, is a bit cold, or at least not exactly proactive about our relationship.

I feel so lonely and impatient to see him that I find myself emailing him.

The biggest concern for me is that our time together has been growing shorter and shorter, and we make a trip or go to a hotel less and less often.

I do my best to look attractive for him, and I'm sure I look younger than I am, but I'm worried he might be fed up with me.


I do my best to look attractive for him, and I'm sure I look younger than I am, but I'm worried he might be fed up with me.
PHOTO: I do my best to look attractive for him, and I'm sure I look younger than I am, but I'm worried he might be fed up with me.
Picture saved by Anna Yefremenko to Art
Mirana (Nightshade) the Moon Priestress Portrait by Stanley Lau - Are Dota 2 female heroes ugly?
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TUP-Y3_h67eo2Y0ethLCKav-Yk2Fmb3uRQ_b_lBQn4USRasSkxJTp-AYFB0jEFbLN2jVr-qJxPODo9FlG5zX7mdvXL3uFqXEqcHmfhOVRkbluzkpW1MP7kz-sDjNhA2H_ka_1MIL1JsR/s1600/ec6196337b424054df1d55951c9bb0a7.jpg
http://saygoodgame.ru/wp-content/uploads/ec6196337b424054df1d55951c9bb0a7.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/ayefremenko/art/?lp=true


Is he turned off by how in love with him I am?

Nevertheless, he affectionately kisses me whenever we meet.

His attitude suggests he still loves me, though he doesn't actually say this.


His attitude suggests he still loves me, though he doesn't actually say this.
PHOTO: His attitude suggests he still loves me, though he doesn't actually say this.
Should I be less forthcoming and endure my loneliness?
Picture posted by admin on 17 November 2013 - Dota 2 Cosplay Korean Lina Crystal
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yeOA-Go2O5rR89dsLlUH12VdCmAq9JWC97uzIWylxxsMMCuow8zpUzpG-p4t7XgIFE9Ki5CvjWOVr2wRiLKpDJRYJ0PWzGYXYrI4xZ_BnVeJli7y8_COZ4ejrqxbVGR-ponaY3AFFdHh/s1600/Lina-choiseulki-cosplay.jpg
http://imaginarymarkets.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Lina-choiseulki-cosplay.jpg
http://imaginarymarkets.com/busan-games-bexco-korean-lina-crystal-maiden-cosplay/


He doesn't say we should break up, either, though.

How should I deal with our relationship from now on?

Should I be less forthcoming and endure my loneliness?

I can't give up on him.
D, Aichi Prefecture


Dear Ms. D:
You've been having an affair with a married man for nearly 20 years.

Time changes our lives.

Your husband died three years ago, and that upset the balance of your reciprocal infidelity.

In addition, now that he is about to leave middle age, he may have started having different feelings about a woman 10 years older than him.

It's not surprising he finds it tiring to continue an affair with you and has started to place more importance on a peaceful family life that he can enjoy in his old age.


It's not surprising he finds it tiring to continue an affair with you and has started to place more importance on a peaceful family life that he can enjoy in his old age.
PHOTO: It's not surprising he finds it tiring to continue an affair with you and has started to place more importance on a peaceful family life that he can enjoy in his old age.
Picture posted by Ronni Bennett on Wednesday, 10 May 2017 - Sex and Old People
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M5yYA-fABVZfwH5eE9a5csM3efRTaExWgfLO6JPuDd-NqtkUDgTG2_1m6xgqFDjmr0r-FEGAk-szXIuhvvNqbpmOaM4amHELDadtpN2LlXSrMoBeclf9YveJcxJgTJUbbJKxYAjG7fO0/s1600/6a00d8341c85cd53ef01b8d280d160970c-800wi.jpg
http://www.timegoesby.net/.a/6a00d8341c85cd53ef01b8d280d160970c-800wi
http://www.timegoesby.net/weblog/2017/05/sex-and-old-people.html


No matter how devoted you are to him, you are treading on thin ice here, and you should be aware of that.

If his wife realises her husband is having an affair with you, she could file a suit demanding compensation, claiming you have infringed on her marriage.

If you want to date him for the rest of your life, you should wait until he becomes single, too.

Like you, I want to live a positive life without giving up on my dreams and in which I take on new challenges.

On the other hand, it's difficult for any of us to get everything we want for our lives.

Something's got to give.

I've given up on having a romantic relationship for a long time now, but that doesn't mean I want to die soon.
Keiko Higuchi, critic


I've given up on having a romantic relationship for a long time now, but that doesn't mean I want to die soon.
PHOTO: I've given up on having a romantic relationship for a long time now, but that doesn't mean I want to die soon.
If you want to date him for the rest of your life, you should wait until he becomes single, too.
Picture posted by Toby Janicki
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmp7ct6n9R-pxS3BKpzX7Xj8qZmBbnBE3l07SS5Ox4D8KBLwI_pVDqIXbUaP1kFgEJR78av7nSd8EqLaRFWoi469f0wK-SZVQ12njFMp23rH00r6UfSUlG0h-B13mJRrGos5kXZWIIb5K/s1600/pix-breakup.jpg
https://1221.ffoz.org/blogs/images/pix-breakup.jpg
https://1221.ffoz.org/blogs/tikkun-olam/how-far-is-too-far-loving-your-neighbor-as-yourself.html

By The Japan News/ANN, 10 May 2017



Reference
[1] The Japan News/ANN, 'I want to continue this affair until one of us dies', posted on 10 May 2017, http://www.asiaone.com/women/i-want-continue-affair-until-one-us-dies
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Thursday, January 15, 2015

This exercise coach is ready whenever you are

My Paper, Thursday, January 15, 2015, Page A1, Top Stories
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/emnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2015-01-15
Source Website: http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/exercise-coach-ready-whenever-you-are-20150115
By Lester Hio, lesterh@sph.com.sg, mypaper, Published on Jan 15, 2015


TIRELESS TRAINER: Meet Xuan, an exercise robot developed by students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic. It is available to guide senior citizens at the Lions Befrienders Senior Activity Centre in Mei Ling Street.
PHOTO: TIRELESS TRAINER: Meet Xuan, an exercise robot developed by students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic. It is available to guide senior citizens at the Lions Befrienders Senior Activity Centre in Mei Ling Street.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO 
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmDJDjyE707MCxgLuHZrxS2A3h39J6FL0WvqtCLekfjV9JD3b0vfCUwXLxnGQ1waQpMj7ZdMkW8MFJErPEPCl5BiTpSUjQtKOCEF_toqaMIHxAIkxxQNoef_sOux1PLlbFoja4bz7mIM/s1600/MY_20150115_STROBOT15_P_982919-1.jpg
http://mypaper.sg/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/20150115/MY_20150115_STROBOT15_P_982919.jpg
http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/exercise-coach-ready-whenever-you-are-20150115


SENIORS at an activity centre can now exercise any time they want, thanks to a robot designed by Ngee Ann Polytechnic students.

The robot, named Xuan, features a tablet with an animated face on top of a plastic structure. Its neck, arms and wrists are able to fully mimic human movements.

It is supposed to act as an exercise coach for the 40 senior citizens who frequent the Lions Befrienders Senior Activity Centre in Mei Ling Street.

Xuan can give instructions on 15 simple arm exercises focusing on flexibility and circulation, such as raising one's hands above the head before lowering them.

At the same time, it will also perform actions that the elderly can follow and mimic. Written instructions will also be flashed on an LCD screen on its chest.

Ang Kwee Eng, 74, who goes to the centre every day, said she finds the exercises "refreshing".

"The actions are slow and easy to do, and it's good to be moving about, or else my bones will be stiff," she said in Mandarin.

Xuan has been at the activity centre since last month, undergoing trials and test sessions with the senior citizens. It is now available for any of them to use.

"Now, the elderly don't have to wait for scheduled exercise sessions," said Goh Boo Han, executive director of Lions Befrienders.

"They can approach any of the staff to start the robot and exercise whenever they want."

By Lester Hio, lesterh@sph.com.sg, mypaper, Published on Jan 15, 2015



Reference
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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

US needs re-look on treating diabetes patients

My Paper, Wednesday, January 14, 2015, Page A7, Opinion
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/emnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2015-01-14
Source Website: http://mypaper.sg/opinion/us-needs-re-look-treating-diabetes-patients-20150114
By Kasia Lipska, NYT, mypaper, myp@sph.com.sg, Published on Jan 14, 2015


PHOTO: MAGIC NUMBER: For more than a decade, medical societies, pharmaceutical companies and diabetes groups have advocated an average blood sugar target, or "haemoglobin A1C", of less than 7 per cent. But, at least for older people, there are serious problems with the below-seven paradigm.
FILE PHOTO: THE NEW PAPER
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxzg8NAzSyccltp4Iyn55UXaxMpNiMlwe3F-hcuzmu20hY_u9p-sFSmpRWO1n-V-ByFQZUVIxaQ70rXqzbfu40x3rSXkUH25gloWVy3WA4QSWBVZfVaMtefWTz1w1hrJawb45_LMR7eY/s1600/US+needs+re-look+on+treating+diabetes+patients.jpg
My Paper, Wednesday, January 14, 2015, Page A7, Opinion


ONE of my elderly patients has type 2 diabetes and heart disease. He takes a number of medications, including insulin to control his blood sugar levels. A few years ago, he was driving when his blood sugar levels suddenly dropped. He felt lightheaded for a moment, and then ran into a tree.

There are roughly 11 million Americans over age 65 with diabetes. Most of them take medications to reduce their blood sugar levels. The majority reach an average blood sugar target, or "haemoglobin A1C", of less than 7 per cent. Why? Early studies showed that this can reduce the risk of diabetes complications, including eye, kidney and nerve problems.

As a result, for more than a decade, medical societies, pharmaceutical companies and diabetes groups have campaigned with a simple message - to get below seven. Many patients carry report cards with their scores to appointments. Doctors are often rewarded based on how many of their patients hit the target.

All of this sounds great. But, at least for older people, there are serious problems with the below-seven paradigm.

The health benefits of this strategy are uncertain for older people. Those early studies were conducted on people with type 1 diabetes or with younger patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Subsequent trials of older patients raised doubts about the benefits.

Worse, targeting low blood sugar levels can cause harm. In one instance, investigators actually had to stop a trial early, because patients who were targeting haemoglobin A1C levels of six or below had significantly higher rates of death than patients targeting levels in the sevens.

We don't know exactly why this happened. What we do know is that aiming for levels below seven increases the risk for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar reactions. Severe reactions can result in confusion, coma, falls, fractures, abnormal heart rhythms and even death.

Older people are especially susceptible to severe hypoglycemia. With age, kidneys become less efficient, which causes insulin (or other drugs) to accumulate in the body; this, in turn, can lead to hypoglycemia.

What's more, older people often take multiple medications, some of which may interact with diabetes drugs. This, too, may cause hypoglycemia. Using multiple medications or complex insulin regimens also increases the chances of errors.

Finally, older people have fewer warning symptoms when they experience mild dips in blood sugar, and this leaves less time for them to treat the problem before it becomes severe. This is what happened to my patient.

Given the questionable benefits and real risks of going below seven, the American Geriatrics Society and the Veterans Affairs diabetes guidelines have, for years, recommended a cautious, case-by-case approach for older patients.

For those with serious health problems or prior history of hypoglycemia, going below seven may not be worth the risks involved. The problem is that we haven't put these guidelines into practice.

In a new study published on Monday in Jama Internal Medicine, my colleagues and I used nationally representative data from 2001 to 2010 and showed that 62 per cent of adults over age 65 went below seven. But here's the catch. We found no difference in how people were treated based on their health.

Patients in poor health and at risk of hypoglycemia tended to be treated as aggressively as far healthier patients. This seems to confirm that we have been adhering to a one-size-fits-all approach, despite the risks that it poses to millions of older Americans.

Part of the problem is that there are strong incentives in place to keep the status quo. The diabetes drug industry has a vested interest in selling its products to as many Americans as it can, and has been incredibly successful at doing so. Sales of diabetes drugs in 2013 were about equal to the combined revenue of the National Football League, Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association.

There is nothing wrong with the industry selling its drugs, but it is the job of the medical profession to guide what treatment patients receive. To do this properly, doctors with financial ties to the diabetes drug industry shouldn't be writing guidelines on how to use these drugs. At present, this is still common.

Ultimately, changing current paradigms requires doctors to partner their patients in making decisions about treatment. Patients need to understand that there are different options, with different risks. The goal is not to get a perfect score on a report card, but to weigh these risks to make a good decision.

My patient was terrified at the prospect of having another car wreck - a completely reasonable concern - and we decided to use less insulin and let his sugars run higher, in the eights. It's possible that this slightly raises his risk of kidney or eye problems, but this was a risk he was more than happy to take.

By Kasia Lipska, NYT, mypaper, myp@sph.com.sg, Published on Jan 14, 2015

The writer is an endocrinologist at the Yale School of Medicine and a clinical investigator at the Yale-New Haven Hospital Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation.



Reference
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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Care centres for the elderly - Why Complain?

Today, Monday, February 13, 2012, Page 16, Voices
From http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20120213/1302SGC016.pdf
Source Website:
http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC120213-0000015/Care-centres-for-the-elderly-Why-complain? (Texts)
http://www.aarhus.dk/da/sitecore/content/Subsites/CityOfAarhus/Home/activityareas/Family-and-health/Elderly-Care.aspx (Photos)
http://www.squidoo.com/heartprints (Photos)
By Tabitha Wang, 04:45 AM Feb 13, 2012



PHOTO: A Dream: quality housing facilities in the local residential and activity centres for the elderly.
http://www.aarhus.dk/~/media/Fotos-og-film/Borgmesterens-Afdeling/UK-hjemmeside/Portraetter-kontaktpersoner/Claus-Rasmussensvoem.ashx
http://www.aarhus.dk/da/sitecore/content/Subsites/CityOfAarhus/Home/activityareas/Family-and-health/Elderly-Care.aspx


I don't know what the residents of Blocks 860 and 861, Woodlands Street 83, have to complain about.

If I were living there, I would welcome having a daycare centre for the elderly in my void deck - because that means I will never have to leave my neighbourhood when I start losing my memory and bladder control.

Imagine the bliss 20 or 30 years on, when all I have to do is totter downstairs for my meals, entertainment and conversation. The same old faces, the same sundry shop...

Humans are creatures of habit. And as we age, we get more and more set in our ways.

My husband's offer of a transfer to Hong Kong came when I was in my mid-30s and even then I had to think long and hard about the move. If it had come in my 20s, I no doubt would have been packed and at Changi by the next morning.

There were so many things I'd have to leave behind - not just family and friends but familiar food and places. I'd have to start all over again to find new favourites and make new friends.

It was a scary prospect. Think of how much scarier it would be if you were in your 70s and had to move to somewhere that could offer you better eldercare.



PHOTO: The Seeker
".... Helping An Old Man:
I clothed an elderly man, and gave
Him shelter from the cold,
The trembling smile upon his lips,
Was lovely to behold.

I Have Found It:

My questing heart was filled with joy,
I came to understand,
Each time I helped someone in need,
I touched the Master's hand."
By Julie E. Jones, Poems of Inspiration
http://i1.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/590/draft_lens7631802module64040072photo_1270703173for_my_friend.gif
http://www.squidoo.com/heartprints


My parents resisted moving in with my brother and sister-in-law for close to 10 years. It was only after my father had his angioplasty (a procedure used to open blocked or narrowed coronary (heart) arteries) and collapsed in the house with only my mother in attendance that they grudgingly agreed to take up residence in the spare bedroom.

They were only in their 60s then but, having lived in the same house for 30-odd years, they had huge difficulties adapting - especially my dad, who missed his friends.

The two places weren't far apart. My dad could, if he wanted to, drive to meet his friends at their usual kopitiam every day. But the traffic and driving wore him down and after his second angioplasty, the doctor warned him to take it easy. So no more daily drives for him.

Every day, he'd listlessly walk in the garden for a bit but then everything became too much effort. He started talking about being useless and us having to prepare for his dying. Thanks to his new grandson, though, he's started to find new interest in life again.



PHOTO: TO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED
" ...... I am looking past my circumstances, to Heaven's throne above........"
By Eric Geoffrey Plott, Poems of Inspiration
http://i3.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/590/draft_lens7631802module151984509photo_1312180321blessed1.jpg
http://www.squidoo.com/heartprints


I used to live in Tanjong Pagar, the GRC with the highest number of older HDBs. The block I was living in was built in the 1960s.

Despite the fact that the mature estate had become yuppified, many of the original inhabitants were still around.

This meant that almost every week, there would be a funeral in the void deck. I'd come home to red paper stuck above the lift buttons and chrysanthemum tea packets strewn all over.



PHOTO: When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
"..... But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you...."
By Author Unknown, Poems of Inspiration
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Some of the residents would grumble about tracking bad luck to their door but it wouldn't be much more than a half-hearted moan. Most actually liked the feeling of continuity.

You could walk downstairs and talk to an Ah Pek about the days when residents marvelled at having running water in their flats. "Ah Gu's son became a mechanic and married Ah Ying's daughter who trained as a beautician and look, that's their son, all dressed up in his nice uniform going to National Service," he'd say.


Without You
PHOTO: Without You
"...... The wounds will heal in time,
Lives will go on, yours and mine.
My Lord will help me through,
Help me find my way without you.

And Life Goes On!"
By Melva, Poems of Inspiration
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1OUyLOE7QGJxGAaZZmPUJ1qg1wEx5Xr4QUn0Pi3CTUnh9IbeXQXkfMo8UwN619eeRTcr1mYFuUabgqKipR4YLH0P_acohobW5XNGCYzZquv6z3hDZD7b2zz5GnqykVjU8S0qu7zJnFw8/s1600/draft_lens7631802module64245972photo_1270704331Gethsemane-1.gif.jpg
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In Hong Kong recently, there was news about an elderly couple who had to be separated after being married for 50 years because the wife, who was senile, had to go into a nursing home. They didn't have space for the husband.

His dilemma was whether to accept the enforced separation or refuse the place and continue trying to look after her despite being feeble himself. It was the saddest story.

About a week ago, the Hong Kong Housing Society launched Joyous Living, a retirement scheme for affluent senior citizens who pay upfront to live in an elder-friendly environment.


Welcome to 2012. This is going to be an exciting and busy year. We are looking forward to the new year and all the promise it holds as we walk with our Lord and Saviour throughout the year.
PHOTO: Welcome to 2012. This is going to be an exciting and busy year. We are looking forward to the new year and all the promise it holds as we walk with our Lord and Saviour throughout the year.
".... Faith in the Word, though some folks call you a fool,
I wish you Faith for this coming new year......... "
From: Poems of Inspiration
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Response has been lukewarm. Given a choice, I guess people would rather live in the old-fashioned but familiar home they've had for 50-odd years than move to a modern, unfamiliar place.

Everyone grows old, there's no escaping that. So isn't it great to know that if you lived in Blocks 860 and 861, you'll never have to deal with moving house and making new friends?
By Tabitha Wang, 04:45 AM Feb 13, 2012

Tabitha Wang lives in Hong Kong but still dreams of retiring in a nice little HDB flat in Singapore.



PHOTO: Never Worry
".... Never worry, enjoy this beautiful day
Forget frustrations, let them slip away
Fill this day with happiness and love
Thank God for all blessings from above."
By Glenn M. Baugh, Poems of Inspiration
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PHOTO: Everyone grows old, there's no escaping that.
Angel of Peace by Joyce Birkenstock - "InspirationalPoster.org provides the motivational and inspirational posters needed to help every person inspire his self and reach his full potential. Inspiration and motivation have always been integral components in the long term success of any winner. Staying determined, focused and committed to any goal are the traits of a winner. InspirationalPoster.org gives the posters to restore confidence, motivate self and be more creative...."
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http://www.inspirationalposter.org/poster-54817-913508/angel-peace-art-print/



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