Growing up, I always had a special connection with the elderly. From my primary school volunteer sessions to celebrating National Day with seniors in elderly homes, I found genuine joy in listening to their stories and seeing their faces light up through simple interactions. Thus, when I came across GEN2061 Support Healthy AgeingSG, a service learning course where students do door-to-door outreach as Silver Generation Ambassadors, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to continue nurturing that connection.
When I think back on my time volunteering with the Silver Generation Office, one encounter continues to stand out in my mind. It happened on a day when my partner and I had already been walking for four to five hours, going door to door, engaging elderly residents. Physically drained, we sat at the void deck to take a quick break while logging in the remaining information of the elderly we had just engaged. It was at this moment of fatigue that something unexpected and profoundly moving happened. Surprisingly, an elderly woman in a wheelchair approached us on her own accord.
She had recognised us by our uniforms and, without hesitation, came up to us with a smile on her face. To my surprise, she immediately asked if we had any questions for her, almost as if she were volunteering herself to be engaged by us. This was unusual because, in most of my previous encounters, many elderly residents were more private or cautious when we first approached them. Yet here was someone who flipped that narrative: instead of us reaching out to her, she reached out to us.
As we spoke, I noticed that she was an amputee. For a brief moment, I was taken aback, reflecting on how difficult it might feel to lose mobility, especially since being active has always been an important part of my own life. The thought of such a change was overwhelming to me, yet she carried herself with a lightness that contrasted sharply with what I imagined. Rather than dwelling on her hardship, she radiated cheerfulness, warmth, and an openness in her conversations that left a strong impression on me.
Unfortunately, when we checked our tablets, her profile was not listed, which meant we could not officially record her responses. Still, we chose to continue engaging her in conversation. She shared with us snippets of her day-to-day life, stories about her son, and how she went about her routines with the help of her helper who waited patiently beside her. We listened attentively, offered her reassurance that our other volunteers would likely come visit her another time, and did our best to make her feel seen and heard. What struck me most was how much joy she seemed to draw simply from the interaction itself.
Internally, I felt a strong mixture of emotions. I admired the openness and positivity she brought into our conversation, especially at a moment when I myself had been feeling tired and discouraged. At the same time, I was mindful not to let my initial surprise shape the way I interacted with her. I reminded myself that what mattered most was not her condition, but the person in front of me; someone who had gone out of her way to engage us with kindness. Thus, I focused on her smile, her cheerfulness, and the effort she made to reach out. I did my best to reflect that same warmth, smiling back and listening with genuine interest as she shared her stories.
This lady reminded me that not all seniors fit into the same mould. There are many seniors full of joy, hope, and eagerness to connect, and when you meet them, it makes every step of the journey worthwhile. I remember a 98-year-old, hard-of-hearing grandfather who, at first, seemed impatient and wary. But the moment he realized we were student volunteers, his entire expression changed. He lit up with warmth and insisted on welcoming us inside, even though it was difficult for him to walk and open the door.
Nur Shazana, Conversations with elderly, AI generated (Deep AI)
For me, the biggest takeaway from this experience was learning that the effort we put into volunteering is not always about immediate results or efficiency. It is about being present for the moments that matter even if they come unexpectedly, even if they are not part of the official “checklist”. Sometimes, the most meaningful impact we leave is not in only completing the form on the tablets, but in creating a genuine human connection.
To future volunteers, it is natural to feel tired or discouraged sometimes. However, do not lose heart. One day, you will meet someone whose joy at seeing you reminds you of the true purpose of the work. In that moment, you will realise that your role is about more than engaging, it is about offering companionship and warmth. And when you see a senior’s face light up, you may even feel, just for a moment, like part of their family, like a grandchild they’ve been waiting for.
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