Ms Satoko Fujioka, co-founder of Hotch-Lodge in Japan, shared her experiences in building a compassionate community by drawing out the potential of older adults and empowering them to support each other. At the seminar organised by SUSS Gerontology Programme and supported by Ngee Ann Kong Si, she talked about how older adults showcase and pass on skills that are deeply rooted in the local cultures of Karuizawa Town in Nagoya, Japan, to the younger generation. At another activity, the local people brought their children to support the older adults with vegetable fieldwork. These good examples of inter-generational activities and active ageing for seniors are relevant for today’s ageing population. Attendees, including practitioners from the care sector, gained insights and best practice ideas from this sharing session.
27 participants, including Alumni from SUSS Gerontology Programme and community partners in the eldercare industry, stayed on past the dialogue segment to connect with the speaker and moderator. Kenneth Wong, Alumni of the SUSS Gerontology Programme, shares his thoughts, "It was refreshing to see what the spirit of passion and community can enable. Hearing Satoko-san share about ‘Hotch-No-Lodge’, a care centre she co-founded, reminded me of how the ‘kampung spirit’ or selflessness can touch lives and help communities thrive even in adversity."
Kenneth Wong, Alumni of SUSS Gerontology Programme (first from left)
Ms Swapna Dayanandan, the moderator of the seminar, found it an uplifting experience. She commented, “Ms Fujioka is an experienced practitioner and an expert in the area of elder care. Her sharing enlightened the audience on how they could involve the community in caring for the elderly at the senior care centres.
The audience was engaged and participated actively in the dialogue session to share their experiences and ground challenges. Ms Fujioka was so generous in sharing the best practices from Japan. Everyone who attended the session benefitted from it, especially at the dialogue segment with the speaker.”
Ms Fujioka noted that this event was a great opportunity for her to share her activities and experiences as a designer of community environments in home healthcare. She shared, “From the moment I saw the discussion, I was full of hope! I foresee Singapore becoming a new role model for the ageing society in a multinational country. I hope that you will value your national character and apply it to not just the care sector but also in your life. And yes, the watchword is ‘meet as friends doing what you love’. All thanks to Ms Swapna Dayanandan for giving me this opportunity. I wish you all the best.”