By 2030, Singapore projects that 1 in 4 citizens will be aged 65 or above, according to recent government data.[i] This demographic shift underscores the urgent need to address challenges like increased healthcare demands and senior isolation, making active lifestyles and inclusive spaces more critical than ever.
In response, more Social Service Agencies (SSAs) are establishing senior-friendly centres are strategically established across Singapore. One of which is Tzu Chi Seniors Engagement & Enabling Node (SEEN) at Bukit Batok, which students from the Active Ageing Tutorial Group in the SUSS Core Course NIE301 Learning with Communities are collaborating with as part of the course. The students organised several sports sessions to promote social interaction and physical health amongst seniors. These were not just any sports but adaptive sports designed to nurture physical agility and mental well-being through movement, connection and play.
What are adaptive sports, and why do they matter? Well, for some seniors with limited mobility, sports like badminton that require players to run across large areas can be too vigorous. This prompted the students to research adaptive sports, which are physical activities modified to accommodate individuals with varying abilities. These modifications can include changes to rules, equipment, or playing environments to ensure that participants of all abilities can actively and safely engage in the activity. An example would be the game of badminton, which the students modified, where the playing area was reduced and the net set lowered to cater to the seniors.
Seniors working up a sweat through an engaging game of modified badminton
Before diving deeper into the planning process, the students visited Tzu Chi SEEN at Bukit Batok to assess the environment. This visit helped them evaluate the available spaces, sparking creative ideas for activities meaningfully engaging the seniors. The students also interviewed the seniors to understand their favourite sports better. By incorporating these personal preferences into their plans, they could design suitable and enjoyable activities for the seniors.
Ee Kai Xuan, a Year 2 Social Work student, shared the challenges the team faced in planning adaptive sports, “It was our first time hearing the term ‘adaptive sports,’ so we faced challenges in identifying suitable adaptive sports activities to conduct and determining the necessary rules and equipment modifications during the planning process.”
Tzu Chi seniors and SUSS student engaging in a friendly table tennis game
Despite the initial hurdles, the students approached the challenges with resourcefulness and creativity. Logistic limitations, such as the lack of proper sports equipment, were met with innovative solutions. For instance, they repurposed existing tables at the Tzu Chi SEEN into makeshift table tennis tables by sourcing a portable table tennis net. This alternative ensured that seniors could still enjoy a diverse range of activities. The students organised multiple sessions featuring exciting games, including Captain’s Ball, badminton, human foosball and table tennis. By offering a spread of fun activities, they catered to different interests and abilities, making physical exercise accessible and enjoyable.
Beyond promoting an active lifestyle, these sessions also fostered social connection and engagement for seniors as they played these games together, forming friendships along the way.
Mdm Heng, a senior who participated in one of the sessions organised by the students, shared her thoughts: "What the students are doing is very good. These activities are new and exciting, and they let me exercise in a fun and enjoyable way."
Void deck transformed into a human foosball arena for the seniors
Wee Xin Hui, a Year 2 Human Resource student, reflected on her experience, “It is heartening to know that the elderly truly enjoyed the activities that we planned for them. Their words of encouragement motivate us to continuously improve future sessions, ensuring the seniors stay engaged and make playing sports more accessible.”
Gain valuable experience in senior engagement! Join NIE301 Learning with Communities Connecting Seniors with Active Ageing Tutorial Group (TG) and learn to design impactful activities that promote active lifestyles, social connections, and overall well-being among seniors.
[i] “Longevity,” National Population and Talent Division, August 13, 2024. https://www.population.gov.sg/our-population/population-trends/longevity