Fun Activities for the Elderly in Singapore

As we grow older, our social circles tend to become smaller. This leads to severe loneliness and social isolation which can negatively impact the physical and mental health of the elderly. The number of suicides among Singaporeans aged 60 and above has been on the rise and hit an all-time high of 129 cases in 2017.  To maintain a good physical and mental health, fun activities for the elderly are essential.

As caregivers, we play a key role in supporting the well-being of our loved ones, both in the mind and body. One way is through activities. We have curated a list of 21 senior-friendly activities from 6 categories:  Arts & Crafts, Culture, Nature, Music, Fitness, and Cause-related activities.

Together with your loved ones, participate in these activities that you can do both in- and out-of-home to boost your health and happiness.

Here are some of the fun activities for the elderly in Singapore.

Arts & Crafts

It is common knowledge that art benefits both the creator and the viewer. In fact, studies have shown that Singaporean seniors who are engaged with the arts tend to enjoy a better quality of life and experience a greater sense of holistic wellbeing. Suitable for the young and old, getting creative together is great for intergenerational bonding too! Here’s how you can engage your loved ones with the Arts.

At Home

Get creative at home

Stock up on some colour pencils, paintbrushes, and colouring books from your nearest bookstore and have some therapeutic fun while colouring and painting! 

Start an upcycling project

Get creative while saving the earth. Instead of disposing of plastic bottles and used jars, turn them into useful pieces in your home garden or festive decorations.

Out of Home

Sign up for an art workshop

Get hands-on with art. There are several different types of art workshops for seniors that you can choose from. Organisations such as Solace and Artisan Han’s also offer various art therapy programmes. Solace Art Psychotherapy, in particular, consists of registered art therapists who are experienced in working with seniors with dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and other medical conditions. From canvas painting and calligraphy to pottery and knitting, there will definitely be one which appeals to your loved one. 

Attend art festivals

For those who appreciate art, take part in themed art festivals happening on our sunny island. With events such as the Silver Arts Festival organised by National Arts Council and A Date with Friends held at the Esplanade annually, immerse in music, dance and film from the past till present.

Culture

At Home

Play old school games

Go back in time as you and your loved ones engage in a nostalgic game of 5 stones, pick up sticks, as well as traditional games like the Chinese Chess and Congkak available here. For a local twist, check out games from Hua Hee and KYDZ. Many of these brain-stimulating games can also be found on popular gaming consoles and free online platforms like Solitaired.

SilverActivities has also created SilverPad, a senior-friendly tablet where the elderly can independently watch shows, play music, and stay engaged with their custom-built cognitive games. They also provide free digital games and printable activities for seniors. The best part is – all of these are available in our local languages! 

Besides having fun, playing games can engage our minds, boost and maintain our cognitive functions, and keep conditions such as dementia at bay.

Out of Home

Stroll along Monument Trail

Learn and reminisce about Singapore’s heritage as you start the trail from the mouth of the Singapore River which is once the heart of Singapore’s commercial activity and entrepôt trade. Along the way, be greeted by iconic landmarks that tell the story of Singapore, before ending at the War Memorial Park. 

Visit Singapore’s museums

Did you know that Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) can get free entry to more than 8 museums in Singapore? Catch a glimpse of the past as you go museum-hopping with your loved ones!

Nature

Besides being a mood-booster, exposure to green spaces has been proven to lower our risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. Get closer to nature in our garden city with these activities.

At Home

Pick up gardening

Gardening can bring a host of health benefits by keeping us physically active, giving us a sense of purpose and improving our mental wellbeing. Encourage your loved one to pick up gardening at home, or better yet, turn it into a social activity and participate in community gardens in the neighbourhood. You can also have your very own farm-to-table by growing edible plants at home. 

Out of Home

Spend some time with nature

Need a whiff of fresh air? Venture out of home for a walk on these senior-friendly nature trails and take some time to appreciate the wonders of nature. 

Participate in nature workshops

From floral arrangement to DIY terrariums, there is something for everyone. For a truly local experience, sign up for a nature workshop by homegrown Edible Garden City. Each session includes a walk around the barrier-free accessible farm in Queenstown, followed by light exercises, before ending with a thematic hands-on activity led by the horticulture therapy-trained educators.

Music

We are no stranger to the magic of music. Besides bringing joy, providing comfort and evoking memories from the past, it also improves physical, cognitive and emotional health.

At Home

 Listen to the classics

Feel young again grooving to the classics! It may not be easy to find vinyl and cassette players anymore, but their modern descendants – radio and Spotify – work just as well. Create or hunt for a playlist and take a trip down memory lane with Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye or the Beatles. Old is gold! 

Guess the song

Spice things up with a memory game! Play a tune and try to recall the song’s title – fastest person wins. You can even have your own Music Bingo to play with your loved ones!

Out of Home

Sing-along

Turn up the music and sing your heart out to familiar tunes from the ‘60s! Gather your singing kakis for a karaoke session in your neighbourhood or at Alzheimer’s Disease Association’s Memories Cafe. 

Learn to play an instrument

Express yourself through rhythm, beats and melodies. Community centres now offer a variety of musical instrument courses for the aspiring musician. Select a musical instrument and attend a class today.

Join a Silent Disco

Throwback to the ‘70s and get grooving with Silent Disco! Have a blast and sweat it out while jamming out to songs from the past with your friends.

Fitness

It is widely known that staying active is beneficial to both our physical and mental health. Here are some fun ways to keep fit and make exercising more enjoyable and feel less like a chore.

At Home

Keep fit at home

Build up your strength, flexibility and endurance to prevent falls and improve your overall wellbeing. Doing simple stretches and bodyweight exercises for just 30 minutes a day, several times a week, can make a difference. Most importantly, find an exercise that’s most suitable for you and that you’re comfortable with. Remember to always listen to your body and stop if you’re experiencing pain. If you would like a more comprehensive and personalised workout session, consider home physiotherapy.

Out of Home

Join an exercise group

Working out in a group can boost motivation and make exercising all the more fun! Whether you are looking to sweat it out or simply wish to engage in light exercises, there is something for everyone. Get in touch with online communities such as Team Strong Silver and Gym Tonic, or check out the activities at the active ageing hub closest to your home.

Attend fitness classes

Build up your fitness with a certified trainer by signing up for regular workout classes. Make it a goal to try out as many forms of exercises as possible and find out what you like best! Do remember to inform the instructor of any past injuries. 

Cause-related Activities

If you are looking to stay physically, mentally and socially active in the community, why not do it for a good cause? Here are some activities you can participate in while contributing back to society.

Out of Home

Start volunteering

Give back to society by volunteering for a cause you believe in. Besides helping others, volunteering is beneficial to ourselves too by helping us stay connected with society and giving us a sense of satisfaction and purpose. Stay up to date on the volunteering opportunities available by joining RSVP or searching online. 

Walk for a cause

Support meaningful causes while staying active by participating in annual events such as Run For Hope. Suitable for all ages, join as a family for an intergenerational day of fun!

Befriend fellow seniors

If you are looking for an activity that can make a direct impact on people’s lives, consider being a befriender with Homage or the various community organisations here. Deliver care to seniors in a variety of settings while earning some extra allowance too.

With the multitude of senior-friendly activities available on our little red dot, there is bound to be something for everyone. Pick from these fun activities for the elderly and engage your loved ones in meaningful activities today.

This article first appeared on Homage.

Homage is an award-winning personal care solution that provides on-demand holistic home and community-based caregiving and medical services to seniors and adults, allowing them to age and recover with grace, control and dignity.